Stevenage Town Centre Gardens

Stevenage Town Centre Gardens are located in the centre of Stevenage, Britain’s first post-second world war new town. 

The gardens, completed in 1961, provide the only formal and ornamental parkland area in the town centre, where their primary function is recreation and leisure. The project has conserved the historic layout whilst creating modern facilities using high quality materials to reflect the original new town vision. New raised concrete planters provide a new sensory garden, the existing lake and fountain has been repaired and existing ancient hedgerows and pathways have been retained. The range of people using the park has been expanded through the improvements such as a new events programme, new toilet facilities and new well lit routes crossing the park.

The aims of the project were to:

• improve access to the park with a better linked path network, new signage and lighting to highlight trees, entrances, sculpture and the main junctions of access routes
• create a contemplative garden, sensory garden and flower garden with interpretation and artwork panels
• introduce an events programme to deliver regular activities which appeal to a wide range of visitors
• appoint a Community Engagement Officer to maintain and increase existing and new audiences
• introduce a new building to provide toilets and office space
• introduce volunteering and training opportunities for North Hertfordshire College and voluntary/community groups such as those with learning difficulties and special needs
• provide a new play area