New clifftop wildlife viewing gallery planned
BBCPlans for a new wildlife viewing gallery at RSPB Bempton Cliffs have been revealed.
The conservation charity said it would replace the existing Grandstand viewpoint, which has been affected by wet weather and clifftop erosion.
The proposals were granted conditional planning approval by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in August and the charity said it hoped construction work would start in Autumn 2027.
Dave O'Hara, senior reserve manager, said: "Our vision for a new wildlife viewing gallery will not only create better visitor access for all, but create an even more immersive and inspiring experience for everyone who comes here."
According to the RSPB, the site in East Yorkshire attracts 500,000 seabirds to its chalk cliffs to breed as well as 120,000 visitors each year.
The charity has launched a JustGiving appeal to raise £85,000 to pay for more detailed design work and unlock future funding.
StructureHausIt said developing new structures at the top of the cliffs while "carefully protecting one of the UK's busiest seabird colonies" presented "unique engineering and conservation challenges".
It said the plans, which included a cantilevered design inspired by the shape of the cliffs, took into account future cliff erosion and would provide a larger perimeter area.
Design and engineering firm structureHaus has been appointed to draw up the more detailed plans.
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