25th July 2011

SIDMOUTH: Jurassic Coast Arches Interpretation Centre opens its doors in Sidmouth

By Huw Hennessy

The long-awaited new Jurassic Coast, World Heritage interpretation centre on Sidmouth seafront opened this week, in a ceremony attended by local councillors and representatives of the many local organisations involved in its development.

The Arches Interpretation Centre has been built from the disused former shelters, which now also contain the Arches Youth Centre, public toilets and beach showers. Opening the new Centre on Monday, July 18th, was Stuart Hughes, Chairman of Sidmouth Town Council, which acquired the site from East Devon District Council.

As he cut the ribbon, Chairman Cllr Hughes said “It gives me great pleasure in welcoming you here today for the opening of our very own ‘Sidmouth Jurassic Coast Interpretation Centre’.

“It is testament to our Quality Council having the vision to grasp the nettle in taking over the formerly owned East Devon District Council shelters, which at the time, were in a very poor state of repair. You can see for yourselves that we have now transformed them into facilities of which we can all be proud.

“Be prepared for the WOW factor as you enter the Interpretation Centre. This is certain to be an attraction that will be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.”

The Arches Centre focuses on Sidmouth’s role as a ‘Gateway Town’ on the world-famous Jurassic Coast, presenting information displays about both recent history as well as ancient geology. Despite its tiny size – about two metres deep by ten metres long - the centre packs in an amazing amount; including 3-D displays, maps, photographs, and interactive screens linked to the Jurassic Coast’s website. Artwork includes a ‘Jurassic Journey’ photographic display by Ben Osborne, former winner of the Shell Wildlife Photography award. Attractions for children include low-level peepholes, containing surprise geological and sealife objects.

Tucked away around the corner of the Centre is its hidden treasure: a beautiful wooden bench, hand-carved by Dorset-based sculptor Karen Hansen – giving unmatched views towards Ladram Bay and beyond.

Other official guests at the opening event also praised the Centre. Kimmo Evans, of East Devon AONB, said “Sidmouth should be well proud: this Centre is really, really good. The way it has all come together is very impressive. It is one of the very best of all the Jurassic Coast information centres I have seen.”

Sam Rose, of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team, added, “This is fantastic: small-scale, community-led, and not just of great value for Sidmouth but for the whole coast. It’s all about the local community here taking ownership… it’s one of a string of pearls along our coastline, and I’m delighted with it.”

Sidmouth Town Council thanked the many individuals and organisations that have supported the Arches Information Centre, including: the Sid Vale Association (Keith Owen Fund), Fine Family Foundation, Devon County Council, East Devon AONB, Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team, Sidmouth Museum, Southwest Coast Path Team, Ben Osborne, Clinton Devon Estates and Coastal Publishing.

Entry to the Arches Interpretation Centre is free, and it is open daily until the end of October: July - Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm, August - Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sundays 10am to 5pm, September and October - Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. In the Winter the centre is open November 2011 to February 2012, Monday to Saturday 10am to 1.30pm. For more information about the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, visit: www.jurassiccoast.com

PICTURE: Stuart Hughes, Chairman of Sidmouth Town Council, cuts the ribbon and officially declares the Centre open.