Stevenage Town Centre Gardens

Stevenage Town Centre Gardens is a landmark public realm and landscape regeneration project that has restored one of the UK's most significant post-war civic parks while reimagining it for the 21st century. Originally designed between 1959 and 1961 as an integral component of the UK's first New Town, the 3.85-hectare gardens had fallen into decline through decades of underinvestment, fragmented development and reduced public use. Working closely with Stevenage Borough Council and the local community, the project carefully reinstated the park's original structure, heritage features and spatial character, securing its long-term future as a key cultural, recreational and environmental asset.

The comprehensive restoration combined sensitive conservation with innovative contemporary design interventions. Key elements included the refurbishment of the historic pond and fountain, restoration of mature landscape features, creation of new sensory gardens and play spaces, ecological enhancements, improved accessibility and the introduction of the UK's first pre-stressed granite bridge as a striking centrepiece. Shaped through extensive public engagement and supported by Heritage Lottery funding, the transformed gardens now provide a welcoming, biodiverse and highly used destination that strengthens connections between the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods while honouring Stevenage's pioneering New Town legacy