New operator for Reculver centre

Investment by the city council in the Reculver Country Park area is continuing with the opening of a new coffee shop in the visitor centre and a new 78 space car park.

Earlier this year, the council advertised for a new operator for the visitor centre, and an independent, local family company, HatHats Coffee, was the successful bidder.

Following substantial investment, including changing the layout and refurbishing the décor, they are now open, selling a range of food and drink. HatHats Coffee has also installed superfast broadband, free to users of the coffee shop and to visitors in the adjacent picnic and play area. Free electronic device charging facilities are also available in the visitor centre.

Later this autumn, another local company, Amelix Education, will be providing facilities for schools groups at the centre.

Meanwhile, the new 78 space car park, which also features eight motorhome and two coach spaces, has now opened. Together with the existing car park, it brings the total number of spaces at Reculver to more than 140. Increasing the amount of parking has been a priority for the council, especially since the opening of the popular play area last year.

Chairman of the council’s Regeneration and Property Committee, Cllr Ben Fitter-Harding, said: “We’re very pleased to be working with HatHats Coffee. Not only are they a local company, but they have a strong track record in investing in the community and also sponsor children to go to school in the coffee growing world. We wish them lots of success in this new venture at Reculver.

“There are lots of great reasons to visit Reculver and with the new car park now open, it’s even easier to enjoy all there is to offer.”