National Trust, Clumber Park: Discovery Centre

Heritage Conservation and Visitor Centre Design

AJA was appointed by the National Trust to repair and extend the historic Brewhouse Yard at Clumber Park, creating a new Discovery and Visitor Centre that brings together a series of Grade II listed stable yard buildings. The project demonstrates AJA's role as a trusted heritage partner, delivering sensitive conservation alongside contemporary design for one of the UK's leading heritage organisations.

Our Role

Following a competitive interview process, AJA was appointed to lead the architectural design from concept through to delivery. Working closely with the National Trust, Historic England and a multidisciplinary consultant team, we developed a conservation-led solution that balanced the needs of visitors, education and sustainability while protecting the site's historic significance.

The Scheme

The project involved the repair of the former brewhouse and the creation of a contemporary infill extension within the previously derelict courtyard, linking the historic buildings to form a new Discovery and Visitor Centre.

The design creates flexible exhibition, education and community spaces, including an interactive exhibition, reference library, audio-visual room and teaching facilities for school groups, providing an engaging visitor experience for all ages.

Design Approach

Throughout the design process, AJA used both physical and digital 3D models to communicate the proposals and demonstrate how visitors would move through the new exhibition spaces.

Close collaboration with archaeologists, ecologists, exhibition designers and other specialist consultants ensured the architecture responded sensitively to the site's heritage, ecology and interpretation requirements. Extensive consultation with the National Trust Architectural Panel, Historic England, the Victorian Society, local community and park visitors helped shape the final design.

The Final Design

The central design concept was to retain the open character of the former courtyard while enclosing it beneath a structural glass roof, creating a naturally lit internal exhibition space.

Historic brickwork, arches and stone columns were carefully repaired and repointed using traditional lime mortar, while large York stone paving reinforces the character of the original courtyard. Contemporary interventions sit comfortably alongside the historic fabric, allowing visitors to experience the building's history while enjoying a modern and accessible visitor attraction.

Sustainable Technology

Sustainability formed an integral part of the project. Solar photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and a biomass boiler were incorporated to reduce environmental impact and improve the building's long-term operational performance.

The Result

The completed Discovery Centre has transformed a redundant historic courtyard into a vibrant visitor destination that celebrates the history, ecology and heritage of Clumber Park. Through sensitive conservation, sustainable design and close collaboration, AJA helped create a landmark facility that continues to welcome and educate thousands of visitors each year.