Following the significant structural damage caused by Storm Desmond to the Lake District National Park Ullswater centre at Glenridding, it is reopening with a fresh, modern look and an added new facility – Helvellyn Basecamp – a flexible meeting room space available for hire.
The idea for Helvellyn Basecamp was borne out of discussions with local adventure businesses about how to bring an innovative dimension to the Ullswater centre as part of the £210,000 refurbishment. By revising the internal layout the new meeting space and facilities will be available for cost effective hire, operating alongside to a sleek, revamped shop and information point.
The shop opened last weekend ahead of the Bank Holiday and Helvellyn Basecamp will launch with a drop-in open day on May 10, when local businesses and the community will have an opportunity to look around and see what it has to offer.
Lake District National Park Head of Resources, Mark Hoggar, explained that the renovation had brought an opportunity to work with local businesses and the wider community to both restore and enhance the previous features the centre provided.
He added: “We’ve designed a space people can make their own, a base perhaps for local adventure businesses to start or end mountain expeditions. It can also be used for corporate away days, events, exhibitions – a flexible place for everyone. Based on the feedback we received we’ve kept it fairly simple so users can move things around and create what they need.”
Catering for groups up to 20, Helvellyn Basecamp boasts flexible space, a kitchen, trestle tables and chairs, bathroom, projector and full Wi-Fi.
Mark added: “It combines with a new look, modern shop and information point, adding up to a great resource in a fantastic location. We spent last season operating out of a Portacabin in the car park, so visitors and locals alike are in for a real treat with the new-look centre.”
“As we’re in the shadow of the Lake District’s third highest peak, Helvellyn Basecamp reflects the mountain’s importance to the countless numbers who come here to enjoy the iconic landscape. I’m sure our new centre will have broad appeal and we look forward to playing our part in attracting and welcoming people to the area looking for a truly fabulous place to meet-up and explore.”
The open day on the 10 May runs from 10am to 4pm – come and have a look.
Full booking information for Helvellyn basecamp is on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/helvellynbasecamp
