A new multi-million pound 'floating' visitor centre at Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Reserve near Preston, Lancashire, has taken to the water for the first time.

London-based Adam Khan Architects are behind the design of the Visitor Village, which is at the heart of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust reserve due to launch on Easter Sunday. Adam Khan Architects were supported by Price and Myer and Max Fordham and Jackson Coles at the design stage, with Mansell Construction responsible for delivering the facility.

An education and interpretation area, a shop, a children's play area, conferencing areas and a restaurant will feature as part of the BREEAM Outstanding property. The project received £8.6m from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) through the Forestry Commission-led Newlands regeneration programme.

Project manager Ian Selby said of the floating process: "It will take two days to complete the process; water will be slowly pumped in from another lake on site and will need to be carefully monitored." NWDA director of tourism Nick Brooks-Sykes added: "This magnificent attraction is a welcome addition to the tourism offer of the Northwest and one which has truly national and international appeal."