Close Garden

Client: Saffron Walden Town Council
Location: Saffron Walden, Essex
Landscape Contractor: SSG Landscape Construction Ltd

Brief

Previously the site of a Tudor timber framed building, Close Garden is a small walled garden located in close proximity to the historic centre of Saffron Walden and within the heart of the conservation area. The garden is enclosed by listed walls and is within the setting of a Grade 1 listed church.
The garden was difficult to access, was unwelcoming due to over shading and was subject to nuisance activity consequently it was an underused public space.
The brief was to devise a solution that would meet DDA regulations, make the garden more welcoming to visitors and at the same time be sensitive to the historic setting. Naturally all this needed to be achieved within a tight budget.

Approach

Working closely with Saffron Walden Town Council, Friends of Close Garden and Uttlesford District Council Access Officer, LiZLaKe identified that paths required resurfacing and access to the garden required improvement. In addition existing over mature vegetation was identified for removal to open up views to the church, improve light levels within the garden and give the garden a greater presence on the street scene.
There were significant challenges as a result of marked changes in levels between the garden and the surrounding footways and this was solved with the inclusion of sensitive ramps and steps.

Outcome

The design solution opened up Close Garden both physically and visually. As well as providing access to the garden itself the improvements have created a new, attractive and accessible route to the Church. Existing materials were reused where possible; the project tendered and brought in within budget. The results have been greatly appreciated by local people and the Town Council and the garden itself now has a greater presence in the town.