Vectis Ventures have unveiled plans for a multi-million pound development of quality treehouses and lodges at Robin Hill Country Park. Referred to as ‘Nesting’, the proposal includes 40 timber framed lodges, 20 treehouse structures raised up in the tree canopies and an area for 40 glamping tents, all designed to nestle into the natural landscape of the park and provide unique visitor accommodation.
Alexander Dabell, Managing Director of Vectis Ventures Limited, said,
“After years of careful planning, I am delighted to unveil our proposals for ‘Nesting’, a high quality development of timber framed lodges and treehouses to be sited in areas of Robin Hill currently unused or in need of regeneration, but which provide the most stunning views across the valley.
Tourism is very important for the Island and ‘Nesting’ is a further development of Robin Hill which is designed to extend the tourism season. We started with our ‘electric woods’ events a few years ago and these are proving very popular with attracting visitors, however, the Island needs more quality, fun and imaginative accommodation of this type to attract visitors for longer stays so they can enjoy the numerous festivals and events which now take place on an almost year round basis. Nesting ticks that box and at the same time provides opportunities for other local tourism businesses to operate a longer season.
What is also important is the need to try to change the very nature of seasonal employment and create more year-round careers within the tourism sector for our young people. This is the next step in that long but critical process. Within both our parks, Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine, we have staff who have grown with the business; starting with seasonal work whilst at school or university and progressing through the ranks to become department managers and Park managers. This is what we encourage and ‘Nesting’ will provide more of these opportunities.
This is a huge project and our aim is to have ‘Nesting’ completed and ready to welcome visitors from Spring 2018. We think it will create a lot of interest – after all, who has never wanted to stay in a treehouse!”
International architectural practice, Tate Harmer, who specialise in healthy sustainable designs that work with nature, were commissioned to produce the designs for ‘Nesting’, to ensure a sensitive design approach. By a careful selection of natural materials, the lodges and treehouses will blend into their natural surroundings, complemented by a sensitive landscaping scheme.
Blue Forest, regarded as the world’s leading tree house consultants and renowned for designing buildings that reflect the environment in which they are built, have also been commissioned on the project. Their commercial clients include The Eden Project, Chewton Glen and Centre Parcs.
Vectis Ventures is consulting with the AONB, LPA and other key bodies to ensure that their plans for this new development are sympathetic and in keeping with the natural environment in which Robin Hill sits.
Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Tourism & Industry, added:
“I am really excited to endorse the new ‘Nesting’ project at Robin Hill. It has long been an aim within Isle of Wight tourism to offer a true year round destination and such projects will help to achieve this goal. Not only will it benefit the Island’s economy and offer all year round employment, it looks like a truly stunning destination to stay.”
