Mount Pleasant Park

GILLESPIES LLP

Mount Pleasant Park occupies a unique position above Whitehaven Harbour and has been a place of strategic maritime significance throughout Whitehaven’s history. The park is the setting for a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and contains many remnants from the town’s industrial and maritime past.Gillespies’ designs to renew the park reflect the historical and cultural heritage of this site, while connecting it to both the town centre and coastal fringe. Central to the greenspace are a series of terraced gardens connected by precipitous steps. These ‘garden rooms’ are the last remaining evidence of old workers’ housing that once occupied the slope.The hanging gardens are rejuvenated with new landscaping that takes inspiration from the harbour’s overseas links, introducing plants from across the continents, while compass points on the new lookout show visitors the direction of key destinations out to sea. The scheme also includes innovative lighting proposals for the Scheduled Ancient Monument Duke Pit Fan House, a local landmark. The renewal of the park in this key coastal location aims to attract increased numbers of visitors and tourists to this area, and promises to be a key attraction on Cumbria’s colourful coast.

Overview

Location

Location 

Whitehaven, Cumbria

Category

Coast

Landscape Architect

GILLESPIES LLP

Client

Copeland Borough Council

Brief

Creating a key attraction on Cumbrias coast, bringing increased numbers of visitors and tourists to the area.

Awards

Whitehaven, Cumbria

Details

Project Team

Local planning authority or government body

Copeland Borough Council

Year Completed

July 2011

Project Size

Technical's

Planting

Shrubs and herbaceous perennials selected for their tolerance of maritime exposure: Pine, Hebe, Hippophae, Rosmarinus, Euonymus, Cistus, Cytisus, Cornus

Materials

Locally sourced St.Bees sandstone for feature paving and walling, yorkstone setts and resin bound gravel. Stainless steel lettering on walls and hardwood retaining terraces,

Contractors 

Main contractor: Stobbarts Ltd.

GILLESPIES LLP

Approximate Map Location


Location

Whitehaven, Cumbria

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