The new classroom space is expected to open its doors in January next year and aims to host a wide range of educational activities for residents to enjoy.

During its construction park visitors can still walk through the entrances on New Road. Temporary restrictions may be in place while machinery is in use.

The project has been funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund’s – Parks for People Fund. Designed by architect firm ‘Wonky’, the Hub is partly constructed from a recycled shipping container. It features a drying tower and a retractable parachute, which once extended, will provide overhead cover and extend the classroom space.

The new Woodland Hub is being built by ‘Gransden Construction Ltd’ on a former ground’s maintenance depot site within Lesnes Abbey Woods near New Road.

Once completed, residents can expect new activities including volunteering sessions with ‘Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods’ and woodland craft sessions with Creative Nature HQ. North West Kent Countryside Partnerships will use the Woodland Hub to provide an educational programme for local schools. The new space will also be available to hire privately.

Councillor Richard Diment, Cabinet Member for Places said:

We are pleased to be working with Wonky and Gransden Construction on bringing this unique and environmentally friendly educational centre to our Green Flag award winning park. As well as being a centre of excellence for conservation, community projects and educational programmes, the new Woodland Hub also offers an ideal space for forest school nurseries, performance arts, exercise classes and other group activities.”

If you are interested in private hire at the Lesnes Woodland Hub please email lesnesabbey@bexley.gov.uk