The Challenge
The scheme includes the considered alteration and repair of the existing arrangement of hard and soft landscape works to compliment the newly built visitor reception building and the Cathedral, which sits in an area that has Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) status.
As the project was fully funded by fundraising the importance of achieving best value was essential. Our tailored advice to the Client and design team helped them to deliver a scheme that achieved this requirement without compromising the brief.
The Outcome
Drawing on our experience of both heritage and contemporary projects, we worked closely with the landscape architect to deliver a revitalised space that communicates the landscape’s rich history in a more compelling way. The improved access and pathways complement the unified planting scheme which forms a beautiful, welcoming garden.
The project supports multiple initiatives to make St Alban’s a ‘Green Pilgrim City’ and will raise the profile of the Cathedral nationally and internationally by improving biodiversity, accessibility and engagement.
Sumpter Yard was crowned winner in the “Excellence in Heritage Design” category at the 2023 Landscape Institute Awards, where the judges praised the seamless integration between new and old landscape and how it took into account the historical core of the Cathedral.