The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has secured £8m of investment from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to build a new “floating world” visitor centre.

To be built at the Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Nature Reserve near Preston, the visitor attraction – designed by London-based Adam Khan Architects – will be constructed on top of a floating platform.

Ian Selby, Brockholes project manager, said: “This iconic development will demonstrate that wildlife can co-exist with people inside such a visitor attraction. We will have educational facilities alongside the usual visitor comforts and we’re hoping that we will attract daytrippers, school parties, stop-offs and dedicated wildlife enthusiasts.

“We are creating jobs and adding to the appeal of the area for visitors. The centre will gradually be self-funding and will guarantee the future of the reserve for future generations.”

Construction will begin later this year and the centre is expected to open in 2011.