Industry News

Center Parcs Woburn Forest off to a flying start

Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Specially designed bird boxes were installed at the new Center Parcs Woburn Forest site to mark the start of leisure buildings and lodge construction.

Center Parcs Chief Executive, Martin Dalby, was joined by the business’ Landscape Asset Manager, Rich Watson, Woburn Construction Director, Don Camilleri and representatives from contractors, Birse Civils, Bowmer & Kirkland and ISG.

Two bird boxes were handcrafted from FSC sourced timber by local carpenter, James Archer, whilst Chief Executive Martin Dalby – who is himself a keen amateur carpenter – created his own unique bird box. Two of the boxes, which have been fitted to trees in Woburn Forest, have been designed to resemble the buildings that will feature at Woburn Forest when it opens in spring 2014.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Martin Dalby, Chief Executive, Center Parcs UK, said:

“We are committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment during the build of Woburn Forest and the fitting of the bird boxes will mark the continuation of our commitment to the care and protection of this forest. The start of the leisure building and lodge construction is a true milestone in this project and it is exciting to think that in around 18 month’s time, we will be welcoming our first guests to this new Center Parcs.”

Nick Osborne, Regional Operations Director of Birse Civils added:

‘’As Center Parcs’ infrastructure contractor, we are proud to be involved in this prestigious project; and therefore committed in our endeavours to provide a finished scheme which enhances and brings out the very best in this wooded environment.”

Birse Civils, Bowmer & Kirkland & ISG are now on site working together on this unique build which involves 1,200 people helping to construct the new Center Parcs, which is due for completion in spring 2014.

Woburn Forest will be Center Parcs’ fifth UK village and will comprise 625 forest lodges, a 75 bedroom hotel and spa with 6 associated spa suites and two leisure buildings including indoor sports facilities, Subtropical Swimming Paradise, restaurants and retail outlets. The site will also include outdoor sports and leisure facilities and a lake.

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