The South Downs Eco Lodge

The Eco Renovation is underway

Photo Diary

South Downs Eco Lodge Renovation

As many of our regular visitors will know, one wing of our ​eco-hostel (formerly an accommodation block for HMS Mercury) has been awaiting transformation since 1995. We have decided that it deserves to take priority in our building transformation programme. It will enable us to offer residential courses to bigger school groups and adult courses. It will also offer an ensuite accommodation option for eco-tourism. 
 
This new wing will have 12 new ensuite rooms; a specially fitted room for wheelchair users; a ‘changing places’ toilet; a kitchen, a breakfast/living room and a staff flat.
​The outside will be clad with western red cedar from a local plantation extensive arrays of solar PV panels will provide electricity and a ground-source heat pump will contribute to a huge an overall carbon saving.

The Latest News



As many of our regular visitors, supporters and friends will know, half of our Eco Lodge has been eagerly awaiting transformation since we took over the site in 1995.

Safe Work Regime 
Building works have resumed this week under strict safety guidelines. We have taken great care that site operations will adhere to guidance laid down by the Construction Leadership Council to minimise the potential spread of coronavirus and protect workers and the public.

As this is a time of lockdown for so many it is a great time to start the building works, to minimise disruption to our visitors. Hopefully this shows a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel and a hope of returning to something like normality later this year.    
 
We are delighted to be working with a local and experienced contractor – Ascia Construction who support our ethos, understand the needs of our customers and are experienced in working within school and community sites.
 
Stage 1
The transformation has been split into 2 stages, with an estimated completion of stage 1 to be by mid August 2020. The hours of work for the building site have been restricted to between 09:00 and 16:00 (Monday- Friday) and 9.00 - 13:00 on Saturdays, and the contractors will be located on-site within a pre-agreed compound.

​Thank You

Thank you to all those who have contributed to our fundraising. So far we have raised all the funds needed to enable us to commit to a contract for the first phase of works. If funds and circumstances allow, we hope to commit to a contract for the second phase and complete the transformation by the end of 2020.

We have already raised £1,264,276 of the £1,300,000 and with the help of our supporters, events and grants are confident of reaching our total of £1,300,000 to complete the second phase. We will then be raising further funds for furniture and fittings. If you can help us by making a donation, small or large, please click below.

Be Part of the Project

To become involved speak Christine Seaward.

​PHONE
01730 823166 

​EMAIL
christine@sustainability-centre.org

​Leaves for Learning
​Fundraising Appeal

You can be part of making this exciting project happen. Please make a donation today.