Transforming Newbury's Wharf as Peace Garden works begin

Exciting plans are underway to rejuvenate Newbury town centre, with planning permission being granted to revitalise the Peace Garden at the Wharf.

The Wharf is a major focus of West Berkshire Council's Newbury Town Centre Masterplan, which aims to enhance leisure, community, and cultural experiences, transforming the town centre into a vibrant space for social interaction, economic growth, and community activities.

Renowned architectural and urban landscape consultancy, Adams & Sutherland, have been working with West Berkshire Council to bring the vision for the Wharf to life for two areas extracted from the overall masterplan, the Peace Garden (phase one) and later down the line the Waterfront.

The first phase of works at Newbury Wharf will focus on the Peace Garden area, with the contractor mobilising on site from 11 November. Works include improvements to the existing Peace Garden that extends to the south, with increased planting, new footpaths, and improved connections to the River Kennet. This will create a distinctive landscape with a formal garden, integrated seating, and accessible paths, improving views to the canalised River Kennet, Victoria Park, and the overall connection to the town centre.

Councillor Louise Sturgess, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at West Berkshire Council, said:

"This is an exciting time for Newbury as we take significant steps to bring the Wharf area to life and create a vibrant, welcoming space for all. With planning permission granted for phase one of the project, the upcoming works will enhance the Peace Garden providing a renewed area where residents and visitors can relax and connect with the beauty of Newbury's town centre.

"Our partnership with Adams & Sutherland has brought creative vision and expertise to this project, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our community."

This project is backed by external grants of £375,000 from the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and £420,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.