Alison McLellan was Project Architect for Stanton Williams on Whitby Abbey Visitor's Centre.

 

The centre sits on a windswept headland close to the ruins of the abbey, a popular English Heritage site. Carefully integrated within the shell of the abandoned 17th century Banqueting House; crisp use of steel and timber details provides a bold contrast with the crumbling exposed brick and stone.

 

The centre houses interpretation of the site, a collection of archaeological finds from the abbey grounds and a visitor's shop. The building is one element in a rearrangement of the site that gives the abbey grounds new dignity and removes unworthy intrusions.