English Heritage appointed vHH to work with J&L Gibbon Landscape Architects in 2015 to restore the attractiveness and viability of Marble Hill Park and House. The project aims to transform interpretation and understanding of the Grade I listed House and the listed Park’s heritage, provide better recreational facilities in the Park and attract a much wider range of audiences, thus increasing visitor numbers and revenue. Our initial Feasibility Proposals showed how the Grade II listed Stable Block could be refurbished and extended to provide high quality retail and catering facilities for the House and Park, and how a lift could best be accommodated in the House. The Proposals were submitted to the National Lottery Heritage and Community Funds and in August 2017, a £4m grant was awarded to English Heritage.
The design subsequently came up against some local opposition, so the team worked hard to ensure the project continued to progress and the revised designs, albeit on a smaller scale, were given planning permission in 2018. vHH are glad to have contributed a small piece of the design in the shape of the Stables café refurb and refit, which will help make the historic significance of the House and the Park clear for visitors and provide an attractive and well-used community resource for Twickenham.
