Castle Park, a beloved community space, underwent a comprehensive redevelopment to enhance its facilities, accessibility, conservation, and biodiversity.
The project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, included the construction of a new park café, public toilets with a Changing Places facility, new footpaths, a bridge over the River Stort, wildlife habitat improvements, and a skate park.
The goal was to transform Castle Park into a vibrant, accessible, and ecologically rich space that meets the needs of the local community.
Barker was selected for our expertise in cost management and project management, ensuring the project stayed within budget while delivering high-quality results.
Key objectives included improving park facilities, enhancing accessibility, conserving historical landmarks, and promoting biodiversity.
The project faced several challenges, includingarchaeological discoveries and budget constraints. Additionally, the redevelopment required careful planning to integrate new facilities while preserving the park’s historical and natural elements.
Collaborative efforts with East Herts District Council, Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, Simon Knight Architects, Harrisons Electrical, Mechanical & Property Services, and Ryebridge Construction were essential to overcoming these obstacles
The redevelopment successfully transformed Castle Park into a dynamic community space. Key achievements include:
Facilities and Accessibility: The new park café andpublic toilets, including a Changing Places facility, significantly improved visitor amenities. New footpaths and a bridge over the River Stort enhanced connectivity throughout the park.
Conservation and Biodiversity: Wildlife habitat improvements and strategic planting fostered biodiversity, creating a vibrant natural environment.
War Memorial Garden: The landscaped war memorialgarden, enclosed by a yew hedge, provides a space of calm and reflection. The structured and ornate design contrasts with the surrounding nature, enhancing the park’s aesthetic appeal.
Community Engagement: Extensive community engagement ensured the project met local needs. The Friends of Castle Park group continues to play a vital role in park conservation and community archaeology.
Recognition: The successful redevelopment earned Castle Park the prestigious Green Flag status, highlighting its excellence in park management and community value
“Barker played a vital role in seeing the project through to its successful completion. Against the backdrop of a challenging economic climate, the project had numerous on-site complexities ranging from archaeology to structural issues with the buildings.
They worked to develop solutions when issues arose, minimising cost implications, and kept the rest of the project team updated with developments.”
