A NEW-look Lake District National Park Ullswater centre at Glenridding is set to re-open fully following a £210,000 refurbishment.

The shop opened ahead of the Bank Holiday but a new facility called Helvellyn Basecamp – a flexible meeting room space available for hire - is due to launch following a drop-in day next Wednesday.

The centre has been closed since it suffered significant structural damage in Storm Desmond.

A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority said the idea for Helvellyn Basecamp was borne out of discussions with local adventure businesses about how to bring an innovative dimension to the centre.

It has been created by revising the internal layout and the new meeting space will be available for hire, operating alongside the revamped shop and information point. 

The LDNPA's Head of Resources, Mark Hoggar explained that the renovation had brought an opportunity to work with local businesses and the wider community to both restore and enhance the previous features the centre provided.

“We’ve designed a space people can make their own, a base perhaps for local adventure businesses to start or end mountain expeditions," he said. "It can also be used for corporate away days, events, exhibitions – a flexible place for everyone. Based on the feedback we received we’ve kept it fairly simple so users can move things around and create what they need.”

The open day on Wednesday runs from 10am to 4pm for people to pop along and take a look.

Full booking information for Helvellyn basecamp is on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/helvellynbasecamp