Seaton Jurassic construction complete
The main build of Seaton Jurassic and the public amphitheatre has now been completed.
The construction work started in September 2014 and has been successfully carried out by the Exeter-based firm Kier Construction. The internal installation of the exhibition halls as well as café and signage will be finished by February, ready for opening in spring 2016.
Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a huge moment for east Devon. Come to Seaton and see for yourself what has changed. Seaton Jurassic, which has been dreamed of and talked about for more than a decade, has become real. It is a tribute to the vision and tenacity of the local community and everyone who kept faith in this great project.”
Cllr Philip Skinner, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for the economy said: “This is such an exciting project and I am delighted that after many years of very hard work, it’s nearing completion. The positive partnership working between the council, Devon Wildlife Trust, Devon County Council, the town council and others has really paid off and I’m sure that the centre will be something we can all be proud of.
It’s a great example of how East Devon District Council is making good use of its land to bring huge economic and regeneration benefits to the town. This has been a big investment by the district council and demonstrates our commitment to Seaton.”
Mike Ruiter, Seaton Jurassic Centre Manager, added: “I’m very impressed with the building. The drawings looked great and the real thing is even better. During the build I had the pleasure of visiting the site regularly and each time felt a sense of wonder. I can’t wait to share that feeling with others when we open next year.”
Mike Ruiter continued: “This is a very big moment for us and indeed Seaton as a whole. Locally people have been able to see the centre being erected from the ground up and now this iconic building is a reality, which is the result of far more than the recent construction works. People in town have lobbied for this new and exciting attraction for over a decade, so this is an important milestone.”
Seaton Jurassic aims to attract more than 50,000 people to Seaton each year. The centre is owned by East Devon District Council and forms part of the council’s regeneration activities aimed at boosting the local economy.
Situated on England’s first Natural World Heritage Site, Seaton Jurassic will celebrate the area’s unique local geological, coastal and marine heritage. The centre, which is operated by Devon Wildlife Trust, will engage people with East Devon’s amazing local natural environment.
The project has been chiefly funded by East Devon District Council, Devon County Council, Seaton Town Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Coastal Communities Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Devon Wildlife Trust, Fine Family Foundation, Jurassic Coast Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust.
For more information about Seaton Jurassic and to find out how to get involved, contact Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244.
To keep up to date with Seaton Jurassic visit www.seatonjurassic.org
