Bournemouth’s seafront has taken a giant leap towards sustainability.
The Environmental Hub, which opened in February this year, was part of a £2.4 million initiative funded by the Coastal Communities Fund.
It was designed by Footprint Architects in effort to minimise carbon footprint and maximise sustainability and recycling.
The 45 tonnes of timber used to construct the cladding was sourced from retired groynes as part of the 17-year Poole Bay Beach Management Scheme.
A beacon of waste reduction, the kiosk refrains from selling single-use plastic-wrapped products, plastic bottled water, or packaged drinks.
The green roof not only enhances aesthetics but also benefits local wildlife. It’s planted with species that complement the surrounding cliffs’ vegetation. To support biodiversity, bat-friendly lighting and bat boxes have been thoughtfully installed. Starling boxes on the northern side contribute to ecological richness.
The Environmental Hub hosts BCP Council’s Waste Transfer Yard, managing the removal of approximately 2,000 tons of beach waste annually.
Zoe James, project manager of the Environmental Hub, said: “Our approach for the construction was to avoid the use of plastics where possible, and to reduce, reuse and recycle materials. It was our opportunity to create a focal hub for tackling waste reduction and the elimination of single-use plastics along the seafront.”
As the hub continues to unveil its plans and initiatives, it stands as a symbol of hope and a testament to the positive impact sustainable construction can have on our cherished coastal landscapes.
In terms of the next phase of the project, there’s plans to use some of the rooms as education facilities, bringing kids and students out onto the seafront, and also to use the decking area for things like exhibitions.
Find out more about the Durley Hub here.
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