£3 million Bancroft Gardens re-landscaping work is underway
Work began 28th January 2008 on a £3 million project to re-landscape the Bancroft Gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Gower Memorial area of the Bancroft Gardens opened to the public on target and in time for the Shakespeare Birthday celebrations at the end of April. Click here to read the latest update
The works, originally scheduled to begin last October, are being undertaken by English Landscapes, an award-winning contractor with extensive experience working with local authorities on design and maintenance schemes.
The aim of the new design and layout is to create a high quality contemporary landscape within the historic setting of the gardens. This will enhance its character, quality and function, while relating to its unique position along the River Avon and adjacent to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Cllr Les Topham, leader of Stratford District Council and chairman of the World Class Stratford Strategy Group, said he was pleased to see work begin. “It’s good to see the contractors finally able to make a start after the delays we’ve experienced. I’m disappointed that local businesses and visitors will not have access to the gardens for the first part of the summer but I know the project will rejuvenate the gardens and make them into a fitting area to complement the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre.”
The works will include:
- widening the existing footpath along Waterside to improve the linkage between the gardens and Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- creation of two public squares at the junctions of Sheep Street and Bridgefoot for organised and impromptu activities. The Swan Fountain will be incorporated into the Sheep Street square.
- improvements to the main central lawns to prevent future damage
- replacement of the cherry trees along Bridgefoot and the horse chestnut trees along Waterside by avenues of semi-mature lime trees. In all, 55 trees will be planted to replace 44 removed due to disease or to open up superb views of the theatre and waterfront
- paths will be widened and paved in high quality natural stone and the existing bridge crossing over the canal arm will be replaced with a new fully accessible bridge offering a viewing platform over the canal and river
- a small removable bridge will be installed across the canal arm to improve access to the canal basin
- extensive and colourful flower gardens will be created to the north of the canal
- a number of heritage features will be restored and repositioned in the gardens
- improved lighting will contribute to better security and orientation within the gardens
Contractors expect to complete the works by early August but the intention is to
re-open areas of the gardens to the public on a stage-by-stage basis, as they are completed.
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