Victoria Park and Watercress Fields

Landscape Architect: Allen Scott Landscape Architecture

Cost: £2.6 million

Duration: 24 months

Completion: August 2023

Location: Ashford

The £2.6 million Heritage Lottery Funded restoration and protection project at Victoria Park and Watercress Fields successfully unlocked the heritage of the site, provided valuable training and education opportunities, reversed degradation, and developed a sustainably managed park for the 21st century.

The works were carried out in a ‘live’ environment and under careful phasing. Clear signage and fencing segregating the works from the pedestrians; use of banksmen for all movements; noticeboards giving warnings of closures and health and safety weekly site audits all ensured that the project was delivered successfully under these conditions.

Blakedown's scope of work included the creation of a new Community Hub area, featuring a flexible events and public space area, a revamped and extended permeable car park, a new children's play area, and extensive planting.

A highlight of the project was the flagship new playground, complete with new access paths, a running track repurposed from the existing access road, and the installation of new play elements catering to natural play for children of all ages and abilities. Additionally, a new pump track for BMXers and skaters was installed.

The Fountain Piazza was revitalized to create a vibrant community space. Tasks involved tree and shrub clearance; resurfacing and creation of new seating areas; re-rendering of the fountain basin and other minor works to the Hubert Fountain, a Grade II listed cast iron fountain (one of only three cast iron fountains remaining in England); installation of access ramps; repairs to damaged walls; installation of interpretation signage; and feature tree planting.

The existing sensory garden was re-levelled to ensure full accessibility and fully seeded. New access paths, new granite entrances and seating was also installed.

A seasonal wetland area was created, featuring reedbed planting and native marginal species to support new habitats. The wetland, fed by a piped overflow from the River Stour during high-flow winter months, acts as a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) while also increasing the river's capacity. A new pathway and viewing platform were installed to improve access and provide a space for nature-inspired educational interactions. Ecological enhancements to the River Stour Corridor were also carried out and included bird and bat boxes, log piles, scrapes, and an otter holt.

Additional works encompassed the refurbishment of existing bridges, rationalisation of existing and creation of new entrances and paving thresholds, refurbishment of the main car park, street lighting and new shrub and tree planting.

The signage and interpretation strategy at Victoria Park played a crucial role in achieving core HLF outcomes. Tailored to the target audience and park-specific themes, interpretation lecterns, finger posts, and signage monoliths were strategically placed throughout the park to enhance visitor experience and engagement.

Sustainable initiatives included 10,000 cubic metres of soil being used in a cut and fill exercise which saw site won soils utilised across the site eliminating waste.