A DESIGN has been chosen for a high quality, flagship visitor centre at the aisled barn at Wycoller country park.

The work of Hakes Bradley Hakes architects of London was chosen by Lancashire County Council from an original list of 20 and short-list of four.

It was felt that the visitor experience at Wycoller did not match that of the Beacon Fell country park and that the potential of the history and character of Wycoller, and in particular of the aisled barn, was not being fulfilled.

The new design will be on view at a meeting of the county's planning, industrial development and tourism committee at county hall on Wednesday.

The scheme includes a climate controlled visitor room along with display arrangements with space for exhibitions, interpretation, music and theatre.

There will be emphasis on interpreting the historical layers of the barn as a journey through time.

Key to the whole project is said to be the preservation of the integrity of the dominant centre of the barn.

Members will be told standing orders had been waived to allow the environment director to enter into a contract with the winning design team to design and build the new visitor facilities.