National Trust has been granted planning approval from the North Yorkshire Council to strengthen Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate near Ripon.
The “Stadley Revealed” project aims to revamp the water garden area and the Canal Gate area, the historic main entrance to the garden.
The project will replicate the landscape features from Aislabies' 18th century garden design and introduce new visitors facilities.
These include accessible toilets, improved cafes, and spaces dedicated to telling the story of the Water Garden.
Scully, general manager of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said:
“Our plan allows us to improve the care and management of global heritage sites, maintain their outstanding and universal value and invest in the future through carefully planned and delicate development of the studded tea room area.”
Real estate has a history of development to accommodate changing visitor needs, but recent visitor experiences are said to be “overwhelming” and “irritating.”
Currently, the region does not meet accessibility best practices and often suffers from queues.
Scully said the new plans will help address these issues and help visitors better understand the importance of the site.
The design for this project was developed over several years by award-winning architecture studio Feilden Fowles and Lankinginfraser Landscape Architecture.
Public and consultation events were held to shape and change the plan based on feedback.
The design also took into account historical maps, images and descriptions of the site's use since the 18th century.
“We've been working hard to get the better of our customers,” said Maelys Garreau, project architect at Feilden Fowles.
“The unique qualities of this exceptional World Heritage Site are praised for its scheme that seeks to enhance existing settings, connect with the landscape, and rediscover historical sights and scenery that have faded over time.”
In this project, the Studreatie Room will display remodeling and extensions of visitor facilities, as well as important rest and refresh points for visitors.
The new facility, which is located in the extension of the new wood-framed brick building, will include accessible toilets and space to change facilities along with improved café experiences.
This design features a sustainable green roof, with new landscaping and planting around the building, opening up lost scenery and creating a new walk that echoes original 18th century garden design.
The new facility will form part of the real estate payment area.
Following feedback during public consultations, another planning application was approved in June 2024 for an additional refresh kiosk at Deer Park parking.
It serves snacks to those who don't want to buy a day ticket or are not a National Trust member.
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The restaurant and parking at the main visitor centre are free to keep for everyone access.
Studley's total cost is around £4.6 million, plus £1 million a year by the National Trust on Conservation Works at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Work will begin later this year and is expected to be completed by 2027.
