The new Welcome Centre at Camber was officially opened on Friday October 3. The new building and extension took a year to build at the village’s Central car park and sees an increase in the number of public toilets and showers on site.
Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore and Rother District Council Leader Cllr Doug Oliver cut the ribbon declaring the building open for business.
As well as better toilet provision at the beach, the Centre also provides an improved headquarters for Operation Radcott – the multi-agency safety operation, increased first aid facilities, and permanent storage for the RNLI. There is also a community space for residents to use when Operation Radcott is not live.
Cllr Oliver explained how the new centre would benefit Camber. “It will enable our Coastal Operations Team to provide even better safety support for visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful beach and environment, and will be used to educate on dune protection and sea safety. The environmentally and economically sustainable building will also help the council in continuing its support of the Camber community.”
There was surprise that local residents were not invited to the Centre’s official opening said Camber Parish Councillor John Bradford. “The new toilets are bound to be welcomed by local people, holiday makers and visitors. A unique facility finally completed! It seems there was no public notification that this event would be happening. Perhaps more importantly it seems no local businesses, residents groups or the Parish Council were invited to attend.”
RDC has been approached for comment.
Work was started by Baxall Construction in October 2024 with the help of funding from the district council, central government and the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Image Credits: Rother District Council .
I’m not surprised that locals were not invited to the opening, the same happened when the Strand Quay was opened.
It just goes to show the locals are very much a second thought when it comes to tourism in this area.
Rother District Council have also completely ignored representations for cycle storage and parking at the Welcome Centre. How can they call a building ‘sustainable’ if it doesn’t address how people get there or provide any facilities which would encourage wheeling & cycling? Very disappointing, especially given traffic issues in Camber.
Who honestly cares if local people were invited? It’s an opening ceremony to get a photo. Pretty sure people have better ways to use their time.
(Apologies for previous post, sent before completion in error)
Thank you Nick for your continued time & efforts in supporting the cycling community in our local areas. It’s a shame that your guidance was not taken on board in this instance.
The section of the Sustrans cycle path, which runs through Camber & beyond, towards both Rye & Dungeness, is an important & well used facility. It promotes sustainable commuting, community health & fitness, leisure activities, & the general enjoyment of the area, by both locals & visitors alike.
On visiting the new “welcome Centre” recently, we found that cyclists are indeed no longer welcome, with the previous bike stands now having been removed & no new facilities provided. We are left with no safe options for storing & locking our bikes up, whilst visiting the beach. Are we supposed to utilise the cafe railings, or maybe the beach information boards, both directly in front of the entrance to the beach, thus causing a safety hazard for those accessing the beach (was no risk assessment done for visiting cyclists)?
As locals, we are of course very appreciative of the lovely new toilet & facility block. However, as cyclists, we were both surprised & disappointed that this brand new so called “sustainable” facility for the local area, does not seem to address local needs. Its does nothing to support less traffic, to reduce the horrendous parking issues that locals have to endure in the busy months. Nor does it support visitors who do wish to use sustainable modes of transport.
In this case, Rother District Council (RDC) would seem to be more interested in attracting only those who will be paying to park their mostly unsustainable transport in the carpark. Thus earning more revenue from parking fees, & prioritising financial interest over local & environmental concerns, as usual.
It was lovely to see a nice picture of the local dignitaries (on their own, no residents or local businesses included), cutting a beautiful green ribbon though (so good to see them supporting the ‘green initiative’).
I wonder if any of them cycled or car shared, into the event? Or are the words ‘sustainable’ & “supporting the Camber Community”, just being used to tick another box and not actually being taken seriously by RDC?
Talking of sustainability (in the traditional use of the word). On our brief visit (because we couldn’t safely stop & leave our bikes anywhere). We noticed that the surface (finish/paintwork) on the wonderfully sea themed pillars, in the front of the building, have already started to corrode. There is now paint being damaged & peeling on the windward beach facing sides of the pillars (well done architects, good choice of coastal resilient ‘sustainable’ materials, not!).
What a load of moaning Minnie’s the facilities look great get a hold of yourselves!!