A facility designed to improve safety, support and services at Camber Sands has won a prestigious engineering award.
Camber Sands Welcome Centre has been recognised with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Award for Best Infrastructure Project – Small (under £5m).
The award celebrates the outstanding transformation of a former toilet and staffing block within Camber’s Central Car Park into a modern, multi-purpose facility designed for visitors and the local community.
The Welcome Centre – provided by Rother District Council and officially opened in October last year – provides significantly enhanced amenities at one of the region’s most popular coastal destinations.
The development has increased toilet and shower provision, created an improved base for Operation Radcott—the multi-agency beach safety initiative—and expanded first aid facilities.
It also includes permanent storage for the RNLI, a new cafe, and a flexible community space available for residents and businesses when safety operations are not in place.
Councillor Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the Camber Sands Welcome Centre recognised with this award. It reflects the hard work, collaboration and commitment that has gone into delivering a facility that supports both visitor safety and the local community.”
Cllr Hazel Timpe, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services and tourism, said: “The centre enables our Coastal Operations Team to provide even better safety support for those enjoying our beautiful beach, while also helping to educate visitors about dune protection and sea safety. Importantly, it is an environmentally sustainable building that will continue to serve the Camber community for many years to come.”
Delivered by Baxall Construction, work on the project began in October 2024 following engagement with the local community. The scheme was made possible through funding from Rother District Council, central government, and contributions from the Community Infrastructure Levy.
The ICE award recognises the project’s excellent design, delivery, and community benefit, highlighting it as an exemplar of smaller-scale infrastructure that delivers meaningful impact.
ENDS
Published: 29th June 2026
