Chatelherault Country Park: Overview
Investment Opportunities
Enhanced Visitor Centre CH1
The existing visitor centre is to be upgraded internally, with a revised layout that offers improved access and greater flexibility of spaces. Additionally, the lighting, heating and cooling systems are to be upgraded, bringing the building up to standard and helping the park to reduce carbon emissions. A new rooftop addition is proposed to pop out at the former bowling green lawn which will accommodate a new cafe and terrace space. The design of the new storey will balance both heritage and contemporary aspirations, and will offer the centre additional indoor space to support further events.
Historic Lodge Building Repair & Upgrade CH2
The historic lodges are proposed to be repaired and upgraded to improve their operational sustainability and ensure the heritage asset’s longevity. Upgrades will be sensitive to the lodge’s historic design and setting.
Enhanced Paths / Landscape Surrounding Visitor Centre CH3
Currently, the areas of paving immediately next to the Hunting Lodge are not fit for a heritage and listed building setting. To enhance the surroundings of the historic buildings, high-quality paving such as natural stone is proposed. The use of materials that are sensitive to the building’s heritage character will help to improve the context of the building and compliment the new architectural upgrades.
Expansion & Upgrade of the Existing Adventure Playground CH4
The existing children’s play area at Chatelherault is proposed to be expanded and improved. Situated between car park access roads on all sides, the play park is also often overshadowed by the surrounding trees. The new playground is envisioned to expand across towards the historic lodges, consuming one of the existing car park access roads. Not only will this increase the size and scope for play park equipment, this move will also help to create an improved link between the play park and historic lodges.
Formalisation of the Existing Overflow Car Park CH5
The overflow car park will be fully formalised to provide improved parking access. Proposals include carriageway surfaces which are suitable for wheelchair users and buggies, porous parking bays and swales to provide a natural and sustainable aesthetic appropriate to the park. Additionally, facilities will include EV charging points.
Infrastructure: Power / Water / WIFI Infrastructure Distributed around the Park for Events CH6
Enhancements to the overflow car park which is used by the farmer’s market, and the tree lined avenue which hosts a variety of events, will provide infrastructure such as water, power, and digital connectivity, allowing events to offer enhanced services.
Reconstructing the White Bridge CH7
The reconstruction of the White Bridge will enhance essential walking and cycling routes, connecting visitors to the park’s natural beauty and heritage.
