Joanna Lumley, Patron of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust, called in to the Birthplace of Peter Pan in Dumfries recently to see progress on the restoration of the Georgian property and landscaping of its new Neverland Discovery Garden.
The final phase of works to create a National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling at Moat Brae began in May and it is hoped the new Centre will open to the public at the end of 2018. Edinburgh-based architects LDN and contractor Balfour Beatty guided Joanna around the site on the banks of the River Nith. She visited the foundations of the Mermaids Lagoon, the Home Under the Ground and discussed the plans to create an inspirational new visitor attraction which will become an important resource for the region.
Joanna said: “It is so exciting to actually stand here in JM Barrie’s ‘enchanted land’ and see our dreams for a Neverland Discovery Garden begin to come true”.
The Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust’s Youth Forum, JMB Creatives, will also be holding a free drop in event at Theatre Royal, Dumfries on Saturday 5th August from 5pm – 7.30pm when they will invite young people aged 10 to 21 to find out more about how they can get involved with this exciting initiative. This event is part of YouthBeatz Fringe supported by Dumfries & Galloway Council.