Tatton Park visitors to see further improvements as council invests in stableyard project

Cheshire East Council is to invest £1.55m in the refurbishment of the stableyard area of Tatton Park, a popular focal point for visitors.

The 1,000-acre park, in Knutsford, is the jewel in the crown of the borough’s cultural heritage and leisure offer and the council’s cabinet has now approved the next step in the ‘Tatton Vision’ investment programme – which is to implement a stableyard project.

The stableyard project is part of a wider investment programme to enhance the welcome and visitor experience, which includes a new visitor arrival building – currently under construction. Benefits will include improved access and landscaping, new toilet facilities, additional events space and a facility for seasonal activities such as theatre, outdoor markets and exhibitions.

The stableyard serves as a focal point for many of the 800,000 visitors the park receives each year and the project will significantly enhance the visitor welcome and experience, encouraging them to stay longer and return.

The park is managed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust, which has approved the plans to sustain this significant heritage asset.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “The borough is extremely fortunate to have an award-winning visitor destination such as Tatton Park and it is vitally important that we continue to invest in this facility and build on the current visitor offer.

“The park plays an important role in the life of Cheshire East, making an important contribution to the visitor economy, while offering conservation and environmental benefits alongside educational, cultural and commercial objectives.”

Plans for the phased improvements to the park were first approved, in principle, by the council in June 2016, with planning permission granted the following year.

Purcell Architects, one of the country’s leading specialists in heritage restoration, have been commissioned to develop initial designs and today’s approval by cabinet means the authority can now progress the stableyard project.