Heaton Park
The park is one of the best examples of the work of the 18th century landscape designer. William Emes. It is registered Grade II by English Heritage, containing a total of nine listed buildings including the Grade I listed house at its centre.
Land Use Consultants' initial commission was to prepare a Restoration Management Plan for Heaton Park and an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). This was then extended following a second competitive tendering process to LUC's appointment for the parks project procurement stage. LUC acted as lead consultant and landscape architects throughout all stages of the project.
Prior to the project, although Heaton Park was the largest park in Manchester, it was in neglected condition and offered little with regard to visitor facilities. The HLF-funded restoration has led to the renaissance of the park and a renewed understanding of its heritage importance. The work involved the removal of large unused areas of hard standings along with neglected and inappropriately placed sports surfaces. These areas were replaced with pasture, thus increasing bio-diversity with new nature conservation areas and relaxed mowing regimes on boundaries.
The scheme highlights the importance of appreciating the existing condition of the site, accurately researching its history, preparing a vision for its renaissance and seeing this through to completion.
The park now offers contemporary high-quality facilities and the heritage of the site is both intellectually and physically accessible. Visitor numbers are now greatly increased because the site is recognised as being a safe and attractive place to visit.
Few 18th century landscapes of this quality have entered the public realm, however Heaton Park went through a long period of neglect in the late 20th century when the heritage qualities of the park where completely ignored. This project has captured the 'power' of this special place and restored the public's interest and faith in the park as a catalyst for change. Refreshed with a new infrastructure, the restored park looks back to its 18th century heritage and forward to the future with contemporary 21st century facilities.
| Location | Manchester |
| Type of scheme | Park |
| Size | 650 acres |
| Lead landscape architect | LUC (Land Use Consultants) |
| Outline brief | To enhance the heritage value of the park, ensure it offers high-quality opportunities for recreation, increasing the quality of presentation within the park and ensuring the educational opportunities of the park are fully exploited. |
| Client | Manchester City Council |
| Project team | Friends group: Heaton Park Trust |
| Planning authority | Manchester City Council |
| Awards | Winner 2008 LI Awards Heritage & Conservation |
| Category | Heritage |
| Keywords | historic landscapes - parks - restoration |
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Lead landscape architect
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LUC (Land Use Consultants) 43 Chalton Street
Telephone: 020 7383 5784 BIM Level: Undeclared |
