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[ Back ]London Wetland Centre Café Extension Reaches Practical Completion
16/05/2011
John Thompson & Partners' extension to the Water's Edge Café at the London Wetland Centre reached Practical Completion in time for the Easter holiday period - the busiest time for the Centre.
The Centre opened in 2000 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Increasing numbers of visitors has led to the extension of the café's facilities to accommodate 40 extra covers.
The extension occupies the space under the former external timber first floor terrace area and has been designed to be in keeping with the existing building and to have minimal impact on the immediate environment.
To reduce construction waste existing materials have been re-used where-ever possible. Both the external timber structure and existing external door sets were both retained and reused, and redundant timber columns have been used as structure for a staircase. The retained first floor terrace is also finished with decking board made from 95% recycled products.
The cafe opened a day earlier than planned and has received only positive feedback from visitors, staff and volunteers.
