HTA wins contest for landscape-led Canterbury regeneration

The AJ100 practice – working with Purcell and Civic Engineers – topped an undisclosed shortlist to win the commission backed by Canterbury City Council in May this year.

The Canterbury Connected project follows a successful application to the government’s Levelling Up Fund which was awarded in January and aims to reinforce the historic cathedral city’s position as a global heritage destination.

The Connected Canterbury project will deliver the landscape-led regeneration of strategic heritage sites across the city – including Dane John and St Mary de Castro Gardens; Greyfriars Gardens and the Castle Grounds. Prominent green arrival points will also be provided to improve the city’s public realm.

HTA Design partner for landscape James Lord said: ‘With its emphasis on landscape, the Connected Canterbury project will rejuvenate heritage settings across this internationally significant city to inspire local pride and create a world-class destination.

‘We are looking forward to working with Canterbury City Council and our skilled team to deliver a restorative landscape that addresses the biodiversity emergency and preserves heritage for future generations, whilst celebrating Canterbury’s rich historic narratives.’

Canterbury City Council member for heritage Charlotte Cornell said: ‘This is a crucial period now focusing on the designs of the various projects and I think we are going to see some inspirational ideas taking shape over the coming weeks and months.’

Canterbury is a historic cathedral city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In June, the Marlowe Trust launched a search for an architect to upgrade Canterbury’s The Marlowe theatre.

Richard Griffiths Architects won a contest held by the trust to transform Canterbury’s Grade I-listed The Kit into a new learning centre last year.

In 2016, Berman Guedes Stretton was selected ahead of Purcell, Thomas Ford + Partners, Walters + Cohen and Wright & Wright in the competition for a new welcome centre at Canterbury Cathedral. Caruso St John also recently completed a new organ loft for the famous church.

In February 2022, Stirling Prize-winning Mikhail Riches was chosen alongside Bell Phillips Architects, Fuse Architects and Levitt Bernstein Associates for a raft of new social housing projects across the historic cathedral city of Canterbury and surrounding districts.

HTA’s appointment comes two months after it won Bromley Council’s competition for a £17.5 million overhaul of Crystal Palace Park in south London, and four years after it completed an overhaul of the 8.1ha Cator Park,  Kidbrooke Village, in the borough of Greenwich.