Bath architecture practice Stubbs Rich has won a competition to design a new visitor centre that could safeguard the future of horse rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming charity HorseWorld.
The proposed development at Whitchurch, near Bristol, also includes the building of new homes on brownfield land around the existing HorseWorld visitor centre, which is now too small to cope with demand. Listed buildings on the site, along with the current centre, would be renovated and converted into homes, with the money raised through the development of the homes being used to pay for the new centre.
Stubbs Rich partner David Beckett, who devised the designs for HorseWorld, said: “After receiving our brief from HorseWorld, we thought carefully about how best to meet the client’s goals in what is quite a complex and sensitive project. We are delighted to have won the design competition, not least because it means we could help safeguard the future of a fantastic charity and the magnificent work that it does.”
Mark Owen, HorseWorld’s managing director, said: “The Stubbs Rich presentation and design was unique in its understanding of us as a charity, a working farm and a tourist attraction; and our need to secure consent for residential development as a means of supporting our charitable work.
“The scheme recognised the sensitive nature of the development and the need for buildings to be sympathetic to existing buildings, environment and landscape. We are looking forward to a successful project leading to a big increase in the effectiveness of our vital animal welfare work.”
The new visitor centre would include a covered equestrian training and display space, museum, and educational classroom area, while the charity’s animal welfare facilities – which are currently off-limits to the public – would be opened up to visitors.
HorseWorld says it will be embarking on consultation with nearby residents over its planning masterplan before it takes steps to submit an application to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Stubbs Rich co-founder and partner John Rich concluded: “Whether we are working on retail, residential or workplace projects, Stubbs Rich always aims to come up with fresh ideas for clients, ensuring that the buildings we propose are sustainable, durable, economical and adaptable.”
