442 Design makes plans for Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre has commissioned designs for a new wing and three permanent exhibitions from Edinburgh-based consultancy 442 Design.

The planned extension to the North Berwick-based attraction will also house retail areas and catering facilities, linked to the main attraction by way of a tunnel.

The centre is now approaching sponsors to fund the £600 000 project, and is hoping to receive a grant from previous backer The Millennium Commission, prior to a 2004 opening.

Interactive installations will include a marine environment exhibition entitled Our Blue World, Future World, highlighting alternative energy sources, and a tracking station where visitors can help track seals and gannets.

442 creative director Kevin Rettie claims the development will increase the number of entry points and dwell time at the venue and revitalise the harbour front.

According to Rettie, the Seabird Centre was keen to implement new content that was ‘visually exciting but commercially focused’.

The group was approached late last year, on the strength of previous work its directors had undertaken while at Northcross.