Attingham Park begins its next phase of improvements
Shropshire's Attingham Park country estate has begun the next phase in improving its visitor facilities.
Over the past 10 years the park, near Atcham, has seen annual visitor numbers increase substantially, with figures reaching more than 390,000 last year and the site becoming the fifth most visited National Trust property in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Increasing visitor numbers have meant that the Stables Courtyard, which houses the visitor reception, the Stables shop and second-hand bookshop, Carriage House café, dog walkers rest and visitor toilets, are nearing capacity. Subject to planning permission being granted, work will begin this autumn on new toilet facilities on the north side of the courtyard.
The Stables Courtyard is a Grade II* listed building and was designed by George Steuart, for the 1st Lord Berwick in the 1780s. The National Trust has carefully balanced the improvement of visitor facilities with the conservation needs of what have been described as 'one of the finest stable blocks belonging to the National Trust and, indeed, one of the finest of its kind'.
Mark Agnew, general manager, said: "We are constantly looking at ways of improving and developing facilities for our visitors at Attingham.
"Careful consideration to the location and design of the proposed new toilets will increase the facilities available and includes a family room." The interior decoration will reflect the historic use of the stables, enhancing the atmosphere of the whole space.
"We also balance our visitors' needs with the sensitivities of introducing modern facilities into a historic building. After consultation with Historic England, local Conservation Officers and the National Trust's own architectural specialists we're ready to start this next phase of improvements.
"The National Trust is a charity and the support and visits from our regular local visitors is vital in helping us keep Attingham special forever, for everyone. It means we're able to carry out conservation projects inside the mansion, and outside in the park and wider estate as well as develop areas such as the Stables Courtyard, walled garden and play area for our visitors to enjoy."
