A visitor centre in Titchfield has been sold to a day nursery provider after months of debate over its future.

Hampshire County Council has confirmed the sale of Haven House, the former visitor centre for the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve.

The sale was agreed to address a funding gap in the projected running costs of the nature reserve totalling £1.8 million.

Haven House has been sold to a private local buyer who has expressed an intention to lease the property to a day nursery.

This will form part of part of Hopscotch Nursery Group, which will operate with a focus on the outdoor environment.

It comes after campaigners have tried to save the centre and keep it open.

The county council said that selling the facility on the open market is necessary to raise crucial funds for the nature reserve.

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The reserve faces a projected funding gap of £1.8 million over three years and the cafe and visitor centre at Haven House were closed on December 23, 2022.  

Because Haven House is listed as an Asset of Community Value, it could not be sold for a period of six months, allowing a local community interest group or local charity the time to develop a proposal.

Councillor Kirsty North, the council’s cabinet lead for universal services, said: “The sale of Haven House will release much needed investment for Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, helping us to fund improvements and deliver our obligations to this important site.

“Upgrades are planned to boardwalks, bridges, and bird hides alongside enhancements to the habitats that provide a home to many species.

“The proposed use of the building by a local nursery provider is positive news, offering childcare spaces in an area that has been identified as needing additional early years capacity, supporting local families, and creating jobs.”