28 June 2026
As temperatures soared this week, Luke Myer MP called into the newly reopened Guisborough Forest & Walkway Visitor Centre for a quick ice cream and to see first-hand the improvements made to one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations.
Luke took the opportunity to check out the new solar panels installed on the roof of the building, funded by the Labour Government’s publicly owned Great British Energy body. The panels are helping to cut the visitor centre’s energy bills, meaning more money can be spent on the facilities people use. Luke voted to create Great British Energy in October 2024, while Reform UK and the Conservatives voted against.
The wider visitor centre has also recently reopened following a major refurbishment. The café has doubled in size, accessibility has been improved, new low-carbon heating has been installed, and visitors can now enjoy an even better base for exploring Guisborough Forest. These works were promised in January 2023 under the previous Government’s Levelling Up programme, but by Spring 2024 the Public Accounts Committee warned that just over 10% of promised Levelling Up funds had actually been spent. The works finally began in 2025, and were completed last month.
Further work is also underway over the next six months at Guisborough Forest through Forestry England, which is designed to make the forest more accessible for wheelchair users, families and people with reduced mobility. A new accessible trail, improved entrance, better signage and seating will be installed, along with upgraded facilities such as a new shelter for activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, community meetings, school groups and wellbeing activities.
Luke Myer MP said:
“The Walkway has always been one of our area’s hidden gems, and it’s fantastic to see investment making a real difference here. The improvements make this brilliant community asset even better, while the new solar panels will help keep running costs down so more money can be spent on visitors rather than energy bills.
“Whether you’re calling in for a coffee, an ice cream or heading out for a walk or cycle, I’d encourage everyone to come and see what the Walkway has to offer.”
Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Cllr Alec Brown, said:
“It’s great to see the Visitor Centre reopen, giving people a welcoming place to stop for a coffee before or after a walk in the forest. The new café space looks fantastic, and with a sunny bank holiday weekend ahead, it’s the perfect time to come and take a look.”
“It’s great to see these solar panels installed and generating cleaner, greener electricity on local authority buildings – saving money for the public purse. We want to see more public buildings fitted with solar panels where appropriate to ensure less money is spent on heating and powering facilities and more is spent on front-line services.”