Early designs have been unveiled for a "vibrant" new visitor centre and cafe at a country park near Norwich. 

The upgraded facilities, which include additional toilets, parking and seating, are proposed for Broadland Country Park, located seven miles from the city centre. 

According to the district council, this will "significantly improve" the 140-acre park as it steadily grows in popularity.

Concepts for the new visitor centre have been unveiledConcept images for the new visitor centre have been unveiled (Image: Broadland District Council)

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Under the plans, the current car park will be expanded to have 80 spaces and a new timber-clad visitor centre will be built. 

This will feature an indoor cafe with covered outdoor seating as well as bike racks and views across the park grounds.

The timber-clad building has been designed to mimic a traditional Norfolk farmhouseThe timber-clad building has been designed to mimic a traditional Norfolk farmhouse (Image: Broadland District Council) Along with additional facilities, people have also requested clearer wayfinding signs and more information about the park's natural features and conservation efforts.

Although some trees will be cleared to make way for the building, six acres of new woodland and 450 square metres of heathland will be re-established as part of the project. 

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Martin Booth, Broadland District Council cabinet member, said: "Our ongoing management at Broadland Country Park has already resulted in significant biodiversity improvements, from restoring heathland to reintroducing the silver-studded blue butterfly and seeing the return of nightjars.

It will feature a cafe, seating and toiletsIt will feature a cafe, seating and toilets (Image: Broadland District Council) "This project reflects our continued dedication to protecting the park's natural beauty while creating a sustainable, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy."

Opened in 2021, the site currently benefits from walking trails, picnic benches and event spaces.

It was previously known as the Houghen Plantation before Broadland District Council bought it for £700,000 using funding from the Greater Norwich Growth Board.

There will also be a covered seating area outsideThere will also be a covered seating area outside (Image: Broadland District Council)