The National Trust has been given planning approval by North Yorkshire Council to deliver a £4.6 million project for improvements at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
The ‘Studley Revealed’ project received planning permission and listed building consent for the Trust’s ambition for the water garden area of the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate, and the Canal Gates area - once the historic main entrance to the garden.
The project will remake landscape features that were at the heart of the Aislabies’ important 18th century garden design.
It will also see the creation of new welcome and visitor facilities more appropriate to the needs of 21st century visitors; including accessible toilets, an enhanced café, and a space to bring the story of the water garden alive.
Speaking on North Yorkshire Council’s, Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Planning Committee decision, Justin Scully, General Manager, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said:
“We’re delighted that our planning application for Studley Revealed has been given the green light by North Yorkshire Council.
“Our plans will enable us to improve the care and management of the World Heritage Site, maintaining its Outstanding Universal Value and investing in its future, through carefully planned and sensitive development of the Studley tearoom area.
“As a charity, we have a purpose to deliver benefit to the nation through nature, history and beauty, and look forward to realising our vision for Studley Revealed.”
The Studley area of the estate has a long-standing history of development in response to changing visitor needs, but increasing the experience for today’s visitors to the site had become underwhelming and often frustrating.
Several ad hoc buildings were added piecemeal to the area in the 20th century and the space is confusing to navigate, does not meet accessibility best practice and frequently suffers from queues.
Many visitors leave disappointed by the lack of interpretation and information to help them discover the story of what makes this special place so significant.
Studley Revealed’s plans follow several years of considered design development by Feilden Fowles, an award-winning architecture studio with an expertise in heritage, and landscape architects Rankinfraser Landscape Architecture.
Both companies have extensive experience of developing award-winning designs often in sensitive heritage settings.
The design development ran alongside engagement and consultation, including exhibitions and events involving the public, individuals and a wide range of organisations.
The approved plans were shaped and modified in response to feedback with input from the National Trust and external specialists.
The design was also based on the study of historic maps, images and accounts of how the site has been used since the 18th century.
Maelys Garreau, Project Architect, Feilden Fowles, says:
“Over the past six years, this project has been a collaborative effort involving numerous contributors.
“The unique qualities of this exceptional World Heritage Site are celebrated by the scheme which seeks to enhance the existing setting, connect with the landscape and rediscover the historical sightlines and vistas that have faded over time.”
Studley Revealed in detail
Studley Revealed will see the remodelling and sensitive extension of visitor facilities at the Studley tea-room, currently reached by a majority of visitors halfway through their visit.
It is an important transition point for rest, refreshment, and contemplation. New facilities housed in a new timber-framed, brick building extension will include accessible toilets and a Space to Change facility alongside an improved café experience.
The design features a sustainable green roof and new landscaping and planting surrounding the building which will open up lost views and create new walks that echo the original 18th century garden design.
To deliver these improvements, the new facilities will become part of the pay-for-entry area of the estate.
Following feedback during the public consultation, a separate, but concurrent planning application was approved in June 2024 for an additional refreshment kiosk in the deer park car park.
This outlet will serve refreshments for those who do not wish to purchase a day ticket and who are not National Trust members.
The restaurant and parking at the main Visitor Centre will remain free for all to access.
The total cost for Studley Revealed is approximately £4.6 million, which is in addition to the £1 million spent annually by the National Trust on conservation work at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Work will start later in the year and be completed by 2027.
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