Battle Abbey Visitor Centre

Battle Abbey was built by William the Conqueror to commemorate the Battle of Hastings and is one of English Heritage’s most important historical and archae­olo­gical sites.

The practice was appointed to explore the potential for placing a new building adjacent to the medieval gatehouse which would serve as a focus for visitor orientation and inter­pret­ation. After careful analysis of the site and visitor needs a brief was developed to provide an auditorium and interactive inter­pret­ation space and restaurant accommodation.

The building is partly two storey to exploit the steeply sloping profile of the site and is designed to follow the contour of the site to reduce its impact on the site and views to and from the Abbey buildings. The design is bold and inventive and by the use of local materials; natural stone, timber and soft brick compliments and enhances the present­ation of the site.