Mick George discuss their earthworks on the Welcome Project at Wimpole Hall Estate, in Cambridgeshire, a popular National Trust location
A significant ‘welcome project’ is underway at Wimpole Hall Estate in Cambridgeshire to address the current shortcomings of the transportation, parking and arrival presented at the Grade 1 Registered Parkland.
Local construction specialists; Mick George Ltd are completing Earthworks on behalf of principal contractor Brooks and Wood Ltd, contributing towards the new car-park and visitor welcome building that are being created.
The enabling works will supplement the new gateway which will bring the house, gardens, parkland, farm and wider landscape together, highlighting the rich heritage of the destination.
The need for the Welcome Project
The stately home run by The National Trust opened its doors in the 1970s and today welcomes 300,000 visitors per year.
Visitor numbers can reach up to 1,300 per day at peak times, meaning the existing car-park has been outgrown. The new parking areas will cater for up to 1800 vehicles, made up of 1400 permanent spaces located South-East of the Hall, outside of the registered park and will be accessed through Orwell Lane.
In addition, 400 temporary grass spaces will be available. The former car-park will be returned to designated parkland landscape.
The phased project is anticipated to be complete in Winter 2019, with the restoration of the current car-park finished around Spring 2020.
Michael George, Managing Director of Mick George Ltd commented: ‘’The visitor numbers indicate just how popular the destination is, attracting people from near and far. We’re pleased to play a part in improving the experience for all those attending the facility.’’
For further information, please visit:Â www.mickgeorge.co.uk
Returning to Wimpole Hall today after an absence due to injury, I was shocked to find that the once beautiful pastoral approach to the Hall now resembles a moonscape and has been turned into a giant car park.I understand the need for additional car parking but at what cost to the environment?
On entering the “Welcome Centre” which is in no way in keeping with the hall , I was given the unwelcome news that I was now expected to pay £15 to walk my dog around the grounds.Whilst nobody minds contributing a reasonable sum towards the upkeep of the grounds,I consider this amount to be unreasonable and I fear that it will deter many people on a limited income. I appreciate that entry is free to members of the National Trust but not everyone can afford the membership fee.
After enjoying many years walking our dogs through these lovely grounds it is devastating to witness the vandalism of a once lovely country retreat sacrificed to the ever increasing demand for parking space.