A new community dining and events space designed to connect people with nature has officially opened.
Located at Boundless Outdoors in West Malvern, the Canopy was unveiled on Saturday, June 27, by Worcester’s Mayor Tor Pingree using a slip-knot rope instead of a traditional ribbon.
The new centre replaces a dining room that served visitors for 110 years.
Nick Hands, chief executive of Boundless Outdoors, said: “This building is so much more than a dining room.
“The old one was 110 years old and had given incredible service to thousands of young people, but it was time.
“The Canopy has been designed to sit right within the trees, so that even when children come inside they never lose that connection to the outdoors.
“This space gives children the chance to do exactly that – to gather, to talk, to laugh and to dream up what tomorrow might bring.
“That is what outdoor education is really about, and now we have a building that is genuinely worthy of it.”
Designed to blend with its woodland setting, the Canopy features timber cladding, solar panels, and wide windows framing the surrounding trees.
The project was delivered by a local team, including architect Richard Painter, M&E engineer Matt Cartwright, and builders Dean and Ben Barnet.
A local primary school pupil designed the Canopy’s commemorative sign.
The new space will serve as a dining hall for thousands of schoolchildren each year, as well as host weddings, community events, and other gatherings.
The official opening was attended by Malvern Hills District Council leader John Gallagher, economic development portfolio holder Daniel Walton, and West Malvern councillor John Raine.
Beverley Nielsen, chair of Boundless Outdoors, said: “It means a great deal to us that Councillor Tor Pingree, Worcester’s youngest Mayor and someone whose mayoral theme is community, chose to be here today to do the honours and that we’re joined by so many from our civic leadership.
“The Canopy is an investment in young people and in Malvern.”
Boundless Outdoors began in 2013 after Worcestershire County Council outsourced its outdoor education services.
The not-for-profit now operates two sites and recorded a turnover of £1.4 million.