The overall project vision was to realise the full potential of Victoria Park by restoring its historic fabric to form both a community asset of real significance and value, and to make an important contribution to the wider social, economic and environmental regeneration of Stafford.
The works comprised a combination of heritage restoration and new build interventions. These included a new riverside café and an amphitheatre to improve the park’s offer and create revenue that can be reinvested in its upkeep, particularly in maintaining a high standard of horticultural care. Other works included restoration of the historic Mottram Shelter; development of a new teaching space and greenhouse; installation of bespoke stone pillars and gates to the main entrances; construction of new aviaries; and comprehensive resurfacing across the park. TEP also designed significant areas of new tree, shrub and herbaceous planting, as well as a green roof atop the café.
Public consultation during the development stage of the project revealed a great appetite for events and activities so we responded by opening out the southern side of the park to provide a more flexible space for holding events such as outdoor cinema. Spatially, this reflects the original design intent by William Blackshaw in 1903 for fine lawns defined by a strong belt of evergreen planting. The restored bandstand is at the head of this space which features a new stage adjoining the original feature which provides a safe access up to the bandstand deck but also provides greater flexibility for performance.
TEP progressed the scheme through all the RIBA work stages, securing NHLF funding and planning consent in the process. We subsequently managed the on site delivery, which was completed successfully and to budget.
