Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, UK
Guiding the long-term protection of a natural wonder
The Causeway Coast is a World Heritage Site, an Area of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve, containing various Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A new visitor centre by Heneghan Peng Architects – for which Arup provided various engineering and environmental services, including heritage impact assessments – opened in 2012. Visitor numbers to the area have since grown exponentially, with significant demands made on both the natural landscape and its visitor infrastructure.
In response, the National Trust commissioned Arup to prepare a strategy for addressing several challenges around the future care of the site. Our work involved three analysis themes – physical, experiential and environmental – considering the capacity of the site and the impact of tourism on its many designations, the local community and the local economy.
We have assessed factors such as visitor types, movements, needs, expectations and dwell times, along with wider aspects including transport connectivity, local engagement and partner organisations. Through modelling a variety of development scenarios we have been able to offer clear advice to the National Trust on how to balance its objectives around conservation and tourism.
