Amazing new building is the flagship project of our Grow Up! programme.
A new £250,000 building, paid for by Government money and allocated through EHDC’s Grow Up! programme, has been completed at one of the district’s top visitor attractions.
The building, called the Hazel Centre, will give staff and volunteers at Butser Ancient Farm, near Clanfield, the space and facilities they need to deliver the activities that have fascinated and educated local people for many years.
The project was supported by EHDC’s Grow Up! programme which is dedicated to reconnecting us to our rural heritage and providing new opportunities for education and employment.
That programme was backed by £1.5 million of Government money and used to provide training, employment, rural skills, mental health support and grant funding for local projects, including the ambitious new building.
Cllr Graham Hill, EHDC Chairman, said: "Our Grow Up! programme has brought a wealth of benefits to local communities across the district and our flagship project has been this brilliant new building.
"Butser Ancient Farm is a historic tourist attraction that draws thousands of people to East Hampshire and teaches us all about our rural roots and heritage - so it's a perfect fit for Grow Up!
"The Hazel Centre will improve and expand the incredible experiences it offers visitors and I am thrilled to see it built and look forward to seeing when it is in use.
Simon Jay, Director of Butser Ancient Farm, said: "Our new building will be a hub for our incredible team and volunteers. This space will provide essential facilities, storage and workshop areas to support exciting projects, hands-on training and community engagement.
"As a centre for research into the ancient past, sustainable crafts and traditional skills, this new building marks a major step forward. It will help us reach new audiences, expand our offerings, and deepen our impact within the community.
"We’re especially grateful to East Hampshire District Council for the generous funding it has secured. Their support has helped us to grow in ways that will benefit both our team and our visitors for years to come."
The launch was also attended by East Hampshire MP, Damian Hinds. He said: "Tourism is a vital part of East Hampshire’s economy and Butser Ancient Farm is a brilliant example of how heritage and community come together to create something truly special.
"I’m delighted to see the Hazel Centre completed, thanks in large part to the £250,000 grant from East Hampshire District Council's Grow Up! programme, funded by the Government.
"This new space will help Butser Ancient Farm grow and evolve and as a result of that it will give East Hampshire residents and people from far and wide opportunities to learn about our heritage and reconnect with our rural past."