Landscape and External Works
Many of our projects have dealt with access within the wider landscape, from schemes in an urban setting to ornamental gardens and historic moorland sites. We usually follow the Countryside for All Guidance. A pragmatic approach is taken with regard to sites which have more challenging access for people with limited mobility. We also advise on rapid transport schemes and land-trains, plus the provision of all-terrain mobility scooters.
Great Dixter House and Gardens, East Sussex This Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Access Plan was for the Grade 1 listed house and gardens designed by Edwin Lutyens. The scheme, developed by Donald Insall Associates, includes extra visitor facilities and improved access throughout the garden.
Stonehenge In 2009 we were appointed to advise the design team on access to the proposed visitor centre by Denton Corker Marshall Architects at this extremely busy English Heritage landmark. The commission included assessing access for people with disabilities on the proposed land-train, which will transport visitors from the visitor centre to the stones themselves. The scheme gained planning permission and the construction works started in April 2012 with completion planned for late 2013.
Wrest Park This Grade 1 listed stately home was recently acquired by English Heritage. We worked on the initial designs with Donald Insall Associates for a new visitor centre, and we produced an access strategy for the whole site. This was a complex document because of many uses planned for the house and gardens: including corporate hospitality, weddings, office rental, major weekend events in the grounds and areas open to the public. The visitor centre in the walled garden opened in 2011 and has been well received.
Caerwent Roman Town Jane Toplis Associates prepared an Access Plan on the development of a Heritage Visitor Centre at Caerwent, Monmouthshire. The centre would focus on the interpretation of the remains of the Roman town of Venta Silva, which is managed by CADW, and provide facilities for visitors. As part of the consultation process we organised a session looking at the barriers on footpaths throughout the Caerwent site with the local access group.