Spetisbury Construction Completes Major Upgrades at Kingston Lacy Visitor Centre and Car Park
Dorset based Spetisbury Construction is delighted to announce the completion of major improvement works at the historic Kingston Lacy estate for the National Trust. The £3.5 million project, which began in September 2024, focused on enhancing visitor experience, accessibility, and sustainability across the site.
The extensive upgrades include a full refurbishment of the visitor car park, new and improved toilet facilities, and a reconfigured Welcome Centre building — all designed to improve accessibility, comfort, and flow for the thousands of visitors who enjoy the estate each year.
The car park has been completely resurfaced and landscaped, with improved drainage, increased disabled parking provision, new EV charging points, and a dedicated pedestrian walkway to enhance safety. Improvements to the overflow parking area also ensure the estate can better accommodate peak visitor periods.
The Welcome Centre has been redesigned to create a more efficient and welcoming arrival experience, reducing queuing and improving accessibility. Behind the scenes, upgraded staff areas provide better working conditions for National Trust employees and volunteers. The main path from reception to the property has been regraded, creating a gentler slope for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility.
The toilet facilities have undergone a full modernisation, with a new layout and finish that reflects the building’s historic use as an engine room for Kingston Lacy’s early electricity generator. The block now includes accessible toilets, a fully equipped Changing Places unit, and family-friendly facilities including baby-changing and buggy space. A new family quiet room has also been created, offering a calm and sensory-friendly environment for those who need it.
Spetisbury Construction MD Justin Ives commented:
“We’re extremely proud to have delivered this project for the National Trust — a client we share strong values with in quality, sustainability, and community. This scheme combines our expertise in civils, conservation, and new build work, and it’s been a privilege and very rewarding to play a part in improving such a much-loved local landmark to make it more accessible.”
Spetisbury Construction worked closely with Dittrich Hudson Vasetti Architects, Peter Gunning and Partners (QS), and SFK Consulting Ltd (Engineers) to deliver the project on time and to the highest standards.
The newly upgraded facilities are now open, and visitors can once again enjoy a smoother, more accessible, and welcoming experience at Kingston Lacy.
www.spetisburyconstruction.co.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy