Stamford Park

Project Overview

Following approval of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the aim of the Stamford Park project was to restore the Grade II listed park, providing modern facilities to improve the overall public attraction.

The park had become neglected and overgrown in some areas, particularly in a leafy glade called the ‘Dingle’ which was an inclined and winding footpath following a water course down one side.  The stream had become clogged with stones, debris, tree roots and dense vegetation. Following clearance and desilting of the water course, extensive reconstruction and restoration of the stone walling and banks was commenced along with and the refurbishment of the three stone bridges which carried the paths to and fro across it.  Soft landscaping was carried out along the corridor together with seasonal pruning which improved the aesthetic quality of the area.  Works also included reconstruction of waterfalls and weirs, and restoration of the ancient rockeries followed by resurfacing of the footpath’s entire length.

A new eco-friendly pavilion was constructed, acting as a focal point for the community, providing a cafe, community rooms, a reception, toilets and offices. The scheme design incorporated modern technology for heating through ground pumps, insulation and a green roof. The building features a brick and oak cladding exterior and includes glazed bespoke screens that double as an attractive feature and security measure. Internally, we delivered the high-quality fit-out of all areas, including decoration, flooring, ceilings & partitions, mechanical & electrical installations throughout.

The parks existing Victorian, Grade II Listed canopy and garden wall, dating back to 1856, was retained as an outer wall to the pavilion, maintaining the parks historic themes and providing a key design feature. The wall was restored and repaired by our specialist team using specialist techniques designed to mirror the historic craftsmanship.

Works to the main area of the park included extensive hard and soft landscaping particularly around the newly constructed pavilion and aviary. Terraced lawns and flower beds were also completed around the new

A significant part of the restoration works included repair and refurbishment of the Duck Pond which was subject to desilting, embankment reconstruction and installing new railings to the perimeter. A new hardwood footbridge provided passage over the ponds’ feeder stream. Soft landscaping around the water course corridor completed this section of the works using a mixture of plant varieties, herbaceous plants and shrubs replicating their original appearance as far as possible. Terraced lawns and resin bonded footpaths combined to bring together the computer controlled multi-jet ‘walk-in’ water feature paved with high quality granite setts. This has turned out to be a very popular installation complimenting the Children’s Play area adjacent to it.

 

Award winning scheme

The project was a quadruple award winner including a RIBA Award, Manchester Society of Architects Award, Civic Trust Award and BALI National Landscapes Principal Award, testament to the high quality delivery.