Princetown visitor centre could close - as park bosses look for 'another way to support the community'
Park bosses are only charged a £100 rent but says the costs of upkeep are rising
Last updated 10th Jan 2025
Dartmoor's national park authority will today vote on closing the visitor centre at Princetown.
It says although landowner The Duchy of Cornwall only charge an annual rent of £100, the costs of upkeep keep rising,
A report, ahead of today's meeting, says: "The lease is full repairing which means the authority is responsible for all management, maintenance and insurance costs. The net cost of operating the building (not the Visitor Centre) in 2022/23 was £72,917 and in 2023/24 £63,694..
It adds: "Since 2021/22 we have worked with the Duchy of Cornwall to explore a number of options aimed at securing and/or extending the operation of the Visitor Centre or providing a new use for the building which would support the local economy. One option remains live and is subject to ongoing discussions between the Duchy of Cornwall and a third party. This could develop an income in a way which would help to sustain some form of reduced scale visitor offer on the ground floor.
"This option is commercially sensitive and thus further details cannot be provided at this stage. The Authority has indicated that should the Visitor Centre close, and this option come to fruition, it would support a visitor offer though gifting relevant interpretation and display material. The Authority would also look to support a visitor offer through appropriate training for any staff employed as part of the new operation."
The financial plan and budget for Dartmoor can be found here