Manx National Heritage is delighted to announce the opening of the new Visitor Welcome Hub at the Laxey Wheel, with its first visitors being welcomed on Friday 10 July.
The new facility represents a significant enhancement to the visitor experience at one of the Isle of Man’s most iconic heritage attractions, providing a vibrant, dynamic and welcoming indoor space from which visitors can begin their journey of discovery at the Great Laxey Wheel and Mines Trail.
Early feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the improved facilities, contemporary design and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the final stages of construction, visitors from both on and off the Island regularly expressed their enthusiasm and anticipation to see the new Visitor Welcome Hub open.
The purpose-built Visitor Welcome Hub now serves as the main entrance to the site, replacing the former 1980s kiosk and turnstile entrance. Visitors are welcomed into an engaging and comfortable environment that includes a new retail facility and gift shop, offering a range of souvenirs, gifts and heritage-inspired products, with a wide range of locally sourced products.
A key feature of the new space is an audio-visual display showcasing footage of the extensive conservation works undertaken at the Laxey Wheel over the past three years. The presentation provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the scale and complexity of the project, helping to tell the ongoing story of the preservation of this internationally recognised working water wheel.
The new hub also includes a separate staff welfare area, providing improved facilities for team members who welcome and support tens of thousands of visitors each year.
In keeping with Manx National Heritage’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, the building features a sedum roof, which has already proved popular with visitors and provides an attractive and environmentally beneficial feature within the site.
As well as serving visitors to the Laxey Wheel, the hub offers the convenience of purchasing tickets for all Manx National Heritage sites and attractions from a single location.
While the facility is now open and fully operational, a small number of enhancements remain to be completed. These final touches will be added over the coming weeks to further enhance the visitor experience.
Connie Lovel, Chief Executive, Manx National Heritage, said:
“We are delighted to have opened the new Visitor Welcome Hub at the Great Laxey Wheel and to see visitors enjoying the space for the first time. The hub provides a much-improved welcome experience, creating an engaging and comfortable environment that helps visitors connect with the amazing story of Lady Isabella before they begin exploring the site”.
Pauline Wall, Head of Operations, was at the Great Laxey Wheel when the new Visitor Welcome Hub opened its doors on Friday 10 July and said:
“The positive response we have received already has been incredibly encouraging. We know many visitors have been eagerly awaiting the opening, and we are delighted to be able to welcome them into this new facility, which will enhance visits to the Laxey Wheel and Mines Trail for many years to come.”
The Great Laxey Wheel Visitor Welcome Hub is now open daily during normal site opening hours.
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