Allen Scott were appointed to create a long-term masterplan for Reculver village and surrounds on the north coast of Kent, followed by the detail design and delivery of the new Visitor Centre adjacent to the Saxon Towers, a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument.

For years the village and adjoining country park has been dominated by caravan parks and near derelict amusement ‘attractions’ and struggling businesses; the masterplan aimed to provide both long-term guidance for regeneration and short-term enhancements.

Adopting a market-led strategy, Reculver was rebranded as an eco-tourist destination, emphasising cycling, wildlife, heritage and healthy living. This encouraged local businesses to consider new ways to present their business to maximise the benefits of their location within a RAMSAR Site and SSSI. Consultation with local stakeholders and conservation agencies built up a good consensus for positive change, with 30 individual physical and management projects identified, including the provision of new holiday accommodation, the visitor centre, the relocation of car parks and an extension to the Country Park boundaries.