Double the excitement as two park projects shortlisted for South Downs Design Awards

Two exciting City Parks projects have been shortlisted for prestigious South Downs Design Awards.

Wild Park Rainscape and Stanmer Park Restoration are among the 16 shortlisted projects, chosen from more than 60 nominations received across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.

The innovative Wild Park Rainscape project, which is currently underway, has been shortlisted in the Landscape Category.

The Stanmer Park Restoration project, which completed in 2021, is among the finalists in the Conservation category.

Outstanding design

The South Downs Design Awards celebrate outstanding design, architecture and innovation across the National Park. The last awards were held in 2019.

The six categories will be judged by a panel of experts, including members of the National Park’s Design Review Panel, who will visit each shortlisted site. The winners will be announced in October.

Members of the public can vote for their favourite project in the ‘People’s Choice’ Award. Voting closes on 6 September.

Wonderful!

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sport and Recreation said: “It’s wonderful to see these two very different and innovative parks projects shortlisted for prestigious awards.

“Thousands of residents and visitors are already enjoying the benefits of the Stanmer Park Restoration Project and stunning walled garden, while the Wild Park Rainscape will create a beautiful wetland area and transform the way we manage surface water and protect our precious aquifer.

“I’d like to congratulate all our partners who have worked alongside us to research plan and bringing these schemes to life – reaching the finals is a huge achievement.

“I’d also urge the public to support them by casting their vote in the People’s Choice Category although, sadly, they can only choose one!”

Pioneering

The Wild Park Rainscape is a pioneering project that was initiated in 2017 by the Aquifer Partnership1 and National Highways. 

It will deliver a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) in the Wild Park Local Nature Reserve in the Moulsecoomb area, and prevent polluted highway run-off infiltrating directly into the underlying groundwater.

Key benefits of the scheme include cleaner drinking water for the city, addressing localised flooding within the park entrance, significant biodiversity net gain and enhanced amenity value to local people.

Transformed

The Stanmer Park Restoration Project, a joint initiative with Plumpton College, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, saw 20 hectares of the park transformed with extensive landscaping, and building work. 

This resulted in the opening of One Garden Brighton, a beautiful walled garden, restored and managed by Plumpton College, which is open daily, free of charge to visitors. 

As well as the gardens themselves, visitors can grab a bite to eat from the two food outlets, shop at  the market which sells produce from local suppliers, or sign up to educational courses, delivered by expert tutors from the college in Dog Grooming, Floristry and Horticulture.

Work also included recreating the 18th century Green Drive and restoring the historic Lower Lodges entrance with car park improvements and a new kiosk with public toilets, café and bicycle hire.

Incredible mix

Mike Hughes, Planning Director (Interim) for the National Park Authority, said: “We’ve got an incredible mix of projects that show how diverse the built environment is in the South Downs, which is by far the most populated of any National Park in the UK and is a place where people, nature and history come together.

“Many of the projects incorporate first-class biodiversity and climate enhancements, while others showcase design innovation that creates wonderful living spaces or the amazing restorations of extremely old buildings. Other projects show the vision for the future to continue enhancing this treasured landscape.

“I’m looking forward to finding out the public’s favourite and I would invite everyone to have a good look at the brochure to find out more about each project.”