National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will open a new £15.7m Remembrance Centre in autumn.
The new centre will aim to inspire, educate and inform around 500,000 visitors a year and will include a new welcome and orientation area, and a large exhibition space dedicated to the interpretation of remembrance.
Other new facilities will include a new restaurant and separate café, which will open out onto an outdoor space called Heroes’ Square, and a landscaped garden which will lead visitors into the wider arboretum.
The arboretum will also expand its events programme in 2016 with commemorations for military anniversaries such as Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day and Armed Forces Day.
Other events will include an outdoor cinema series in the summer, a plant hunters’ fair in March and Battle of the Somme commemorations in July.
Additionally, there will also be regular guided walks and a daily Act of Remembrance in the Millennium Chapel.
Sarah Montgomery, managing director of the arboretum explained, “The arboretum welcomes around 300,000 visitors each year, many of whom come as part of an organised group visit.
“We cater for groups of all sizes and can create bespoke experiences as well as providing great value for money packages. Basic entry is free and there is more than a day’s worth of things to see and do.
“The new Remembrance Centre will enable us to offer even more to our visitors and we are particularly excited about the planned exhibition area and audio guide which will really help people to understand the true significance of the arboretum.”
National Memorial Arboretum also offers a range of packages for groups, including lunch, guided tours and learning activities.
Parking is free for coaches and coach drivers receive free entry and a refreshment voucher.
For more information visit www.thenma.org.uk.
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