A new £2.2m visitor centre has opened at the Stanwick Lakes countryside attraction and nature reserve near Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, as part of a two-phase project at the site.

The facility, which marks the completion of the first phase of the construction scheme, includes a central atrium containing an interpretation space and interactive exhibits, a multi-purpose function suite and an indoor play area for young children. A café with terrace overlooking the lake and a gift shop also form part of the centre, which was designed by Essex-based architects Laurie Wood, and built by Corby-based company, Jeakins Weir. Saturn Projects acted as project managers.

The facility has been designed to meet its own energy needs, including a combination of solar power and a ground source heat pump, while a wind turbine will be installed later this summer. Rainwater harvesting will also be used to flush the toilets, and a sedum living roof has been created to improve insulation. East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) helped to fund the project, along with North Northamptonshire Development Company through the Department for Communities and Local Government, Northamptonshire Enterprise through the East Midlands Development Agency, and River Nene Regional Park.

Alyson Allfree, director of Rockingham Forest Trust – the charity responsible for developing and managing Stanwick Lakes on ENC's behalf, said: "Opening the visitor centre has created over 20 jobs, and will enable us to provide a valuable community resource, making Stanwick Lakes a facility which has something to offer whatever the weather. "Importantly, it should make the site sustainable in the long term by generating additional income for the social enterprise, to cover the running costs."

The second phase of construction at Stanwick Lakes, a new education centre, is set to be completed this summer.