October 1st, 2024
West Bay Discovery Centre has begun a new chapter in its story of success.
A popular tourist destination, the Centre opened in 2018 to provide visitor information about the history and environment of West Bay and the surrounding Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site.
The former West Bay Methodist Chapel – known locally as “the Chapel on the Beach” – is a Grade II listed building, dating from 1849, where worship ceased in 2006.
It was renovated and repurposed by Bridport Area Development Trust (BADT), which was created in 2009 to rescue and revitalise historic buildings in and around Bridport. BADT has also restored the Literary and Scientific Institute (LSi), on East Street, which latterly served as the town’s library.
In this latest phase of the Discovery Centre’s development, Bridport Communities Trust (BCT) has taken ownership of the building (effective from October 1st) and Bridport Town Council (BTC) will manage it on BCT’s behalf. The Discovery Centre will continue to be run largely by volunteers on a day-to-day basis, with a part-time manager coordinating their input and the Centre’s activities. BADT believes this new arrangement will secure the continuing success of the award-winning Centre.
BADT Trustee John West said: “It has never been BADT’s plan to operate the Discovery Centre indefinitely, and in the Town Council we feel we have found the ideal partner that will enable the Centre to continue to do what it does so successfully. The Council will provide professional management of the staff and building while at the same time ensuring a secure and resilient future for the Centre.
”Alongside these changes, we have set up a Friends of the Discovery Centre charity. Running separately from the Council, this body, initially encompassing our volunteers, will carry out historical research, put on exhibitions at the Centre and support additional activities.”
Councillor Ian Bark, Leader of Bridport Town Council, said: “The Council has been involved in the Centre from the concept stage, lending support to the need for a heritage interpretation and local information facility in this part of the Jurassic Coast and helping to secure funding for it.
“Our Town Surveyor gave professional support to the adaptation of the former chapel and we have continued to work closely with BADT, including giving the Centre annual grant support. We do not plan significant changes in the operation of the Centre and we are keen to emphasise that the volunteer team will continue to be essential to the Centre’s success.”
Among the more recent of the Discovery Centre’s many accolades are: Gold in the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable category, South West Tourism Awards 2021/22; Winner of Winners, Dorset Tourism Awards 2021/22; Eco Green Business Award, Bridport Business Awards 2023; Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award 2023.
