Clacton seafront, with its Marine Gardens, is a fine examples of late Edwardian design which, by the end of the 20th century, had become worn, overgrown and subject to inappropriate changes. A major restoration and enhancement project was developed and The Landscape Partnership coordinated a successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund Urban Parks Programme.
The restoration works comprised design of hard and soft works (including detailing of themed historic planting, and conservation restoration works), followed by administration of the implementation contract. Proposals included: research for, and subsequent recreation of, a 1920s garden and a rose garden; a contemporary Mediterranean garden (containing planting appropriate for Clacton’s micro-climate: maritime location and the driest part of the UK); a sensory garden, restoration of historic garden shelters; introduction of fibre-optic lighting to overcome vandalism issues; interpretation boards; and the design of new rose pergola and entrance features.
A detailed management plan was also produced, and specialist training was provided for the client’s staff to ensure the long term enjoyment of the garden, by the public, in future years.
