PLANS for the £12 million re-development of the National Memorial Arboretum have been given the green light by planners.
First mooted in 2009 as part of the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal launched by HRH the Duke of Cambridge, the plans include building a pavilion for special events and acts of remembrance and a remembrance and learning centre for visitors.
Plans were submitted to Lichfield District Council in May after a public consultation.
Arboretum bosses claimed the investment was ‘essential’ for the ‘continued growth’ of the centre, which houses more than 230 memorials, welcomes 300,000 visitors and hosts more than 200 events per year.
Major General Patrick Cordingley DSO, Chairman of the Appeal said: “This is a major milestone for our £12m Appeal.
“Work will begin on site in the very near future so that by the Autumn of 2014, we will have a centre for remembrance worthy of all those whose lives it commemorates.”
