Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member for Policy and Resources

Item

16 May 2008

Landscape Proposals for the Royal Hampshire Regiment Memorial Garden

Report of the Acting Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1.

Introductory Summary

1.1

This report sets out proposals to improve general landscaping, signage and accessibility at the Royal Hampshire Regiment Memorial Garden in Winchester. The County Council acquired Serle's House and the neighbouring memorial garden in 2001 and part of the agreement was that a Charitable Trust be established to care for the memorial garden.

1.2

These landscaping proposals will enhance the quality of place for all visitors to and users of the Memorial Garden and will increase local distinctiveness and diversity by respecting Hampshire's heritage.

2.

Recommendation

That the Executive for Policy and Resources approve the landscaping proposals at the Royal Hampshire Regiment Memorial Garden and the Acting Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services be authorised to submit an application for listed garden consent to the Local Planning Authority.

2

Background

2.1

Built in 1732, Serle's House a Grade II listed building in the centre of Winchester was the headquarters of the Hampshire Regiment for over 200 years. Following a rationalisation study of regimental headquarters and museums in Winchester, a decision was made to co-locate those present in Serle's House to Upper Barracks. The County Council acquired the property and neighbouring memorial garden in 2001.

2.2

The grounds that surround the house are laid out as a memorial garden with a war memorial and plaques and seats dedicated to fallen and past members of the Regiment. It has been used for the scattering of ashes and is regularly visited by relatives of former members of the Regiment. The grounds have been maintained and enhanced by the Trustees of a Charity called the Royal Hampshire Memorial Garden Trust.

2.3

In purchasing the House the County Council gave a commitment to repair and refurbish the property, continue the museum use and find effective civic use for the House and gardens. Since the purchase no significant resources have been spent on the garden.

3.

Landscaping Proposals

3.1

The Curator of Sir Harold Hillier Gardens has drawn up the proposals and the intention of the landscaping proposals are to:

_ Improve seating in the garden.

_ Encourage the people of Winchester to use the garden more often.

_ Have spaces to interpret and commemorate aspects of the battles (For example one area to be a reminder of the rocky dry Mediterranean area of one battle).

_ The opportunity to enhance the more private space for use by all users of the house.

_ Improved "All Ability" access to the garden.

_ Have a second flagpole within the garden and improved signage outside the main entrance to the house.

_ Where possible, reduce maintenance.

3.2

The total costs of these proposals are set out in the financial implications section of the report.

3.4

As the memorial garden is a listed garden, it will be necessary to apply for consent to the Local Planning Authority (i.e. Winchester City Council) who then applies to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The overall process may take up to 5 months.

3.5

Therefore, given the timescales involved, it is proposed that limited maintenance be undertaken in preparation for the summer season. The maintenance will involve removing dead or near dead shrubs, the pruning of some overgrown shrubs, minor planting changes and the clearance of ivy from footpaths etc. All works will be scheduled for quieter periods to avoid disruption to visitors and staff alike.

4

Consultation

4.1

The Hampshire Memorial Garden Trust, Museums Trust and other key stakeholders such as the Museum Curator have been consulted and support the proposals

5.1

Legal Implications

5.2

In 2001 when Serle's House and the attached memorial garden was conveyed to the County Council by the Secretary of State for Defence, it was on condition that a Charitable Trust be set up to care for the memorial garden. The Charitable Trust is referred to as the Royal Hampshire Memorial Garden Trust.

5.3

Following approval by the County Council as landlord, the proposals will be submitted to the Trustees for their consideration and agreement.

6

Financial Implications

6.1

The total cost of the landscaping scheme will be approximately £70,000 and will be met from the Policy and Resources landlords minor works budget with a contribution of £10,000 from the Museums Trust and £30,000 from the County Council's budget for accessibility improvements. The scheme cost will be spread over two financial years and is apportioned as follows:

Activity

Cost

Set up cost for the project site safety etc

£8,700

All Ability Access improvements, hand rails, path surface improvements, wheel chair ramp to the raised garden 

£30,000

Soil, plants, planting, mulch, some plant clearing and selective removal

£23,300

Flag pole and signage (* Note: this element will be met from the Corporate Premises Management Budget)

£8,000

6.2

A significant element of expenditure in the north garden will involve

installing a ramp next to the house and fitting hand rails for improved access.

The paths will also be self-binding gravel to give better wheelchair access.

6.3

Two interpretation/seating areas will also be created:-

· One would have some shade and suitable under-planting.

· The other would be sunny, and could be planted with silver and grey

foliage plants. It would be a sun trap and may remind visitors of the

dry and sunny conditions of the eastern Mediterranean where one of the

battles took place.

6.4

The proposed planting at the road front will be a simple mix of three plant

groups, repeating itself. Much of the ivy ground cover will disappear and some

key planting added to the existing. The garden is to be colourful but subtle to

reflect it being a memorial garden.

6.5

Other elements of expenditure include erecting temporary Heras style fencing to

define working areas and to meet health and safety requirements. Clearance and excavation costs are also factored into the above mentioned costings.

7

Impact Assessment

7.1

Race and equality impact assessment has been considered in the development of this report and no adverse impact has been identified.

8

Views of the Local County Councillor

8.1

Councillors Mrs Peskett and Phrynette Dickens both endorse the proposals.

9

Conclusion

The proposals will improve general landscaping, signage and accessibility at the memorial garden and whilst the application for listed garden consent is pursued, the interim maintenance will enhance the garden for the summer season.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

Maximising well-being

_

Enhancing our quality of place

_

This proposal does not link to the Corporate Strategy but, nevertheless, requires a decision because: