Hundreds of visitors took the opportunity to visit Dundee’s latest tourist attraction, the newly-refurbished Camperdown Park Wildlife Centre, which reopened on Saturday.
The £1 million attraction which is nearly three times the size of its predecessor held a “soft” opening for members of the public who enjoyed its improved features, including a cafe with an adjoining patio and large glass walls which offer panoramic views of the grounds.
Also included in the new-build is a reception, gift area and a multi-use learning room, with computer connections, cinema-style projector and interactive presentation screen.
Leisure, arts and communities convener Bob Duncan said he had been extremely impressed with the “absolutely fantastic facility.”
“I went up on Saturday afternoon,” he said. “It was a soft opening because there is still some work to be completed and we’ll have an official opening on Easter weekend.
“I was extremely impressed with the building and the beautifully laid-out pathways. The grass is still to grow but it all looks lovely.
“It’s an absolutely fantastic facility, a lovely cafe and the education room is wonderfully impressive, just first class.
“There’s a big space in the roof where they are hoping bats will come and make it their home,” Mr Duncan added, “and there are CCTV cameras there so that visitors can watch them.
“I was hugely impressed. It’s another great addition to Dundee’s tourist attractions.”
It is hoped the increase in attractions at the room which will be available to hire for private functions and can be used for a variety of themed lessons, slide shows and presentations will lead to an increase in visitors.
The wildlife centre has suffered from dwindling visitor numbers in recent years and faces a six-figure annual deficit. Visitors last year dropped to 52,000 although the centre had been closed to the public from January to the end of March 2010 for a water and electrical upgrade.
Labour’s leisure, arts and communities spokesman Richard McCready, who was convener of the department when the project was initiated, also welcomed the opening of the new visitor and education centre and cafe.
He said, “This is an important investment in Camperdown Park. I know the wildlife centre is very popular with Dundonians and that this investment will be welcomed by many people in Dundee.
“I hope that it enhances the visitor experience and that it encourages more people to visit the centre.
“This investment in the wildlife centre adds to the facilities at Camperdown Park but it is clear that we need to find a long-term sustainable public use for Camperdown House.
“The people of Dundee and elsewhere should have the chance to visit this magnificent building to learn a little of the history of Dundee, Scotland, the UK and Europe.”