Due to the extreme landscape sensitivity of the site, on the edge of Snowdownia National Park, a national RIBA competition was held to select the most appropriate masterplan.

Randall Thorp’s winning design (in conjunction with Edmund Kirkby Architects) celebrates the spirit of the place to create a sustainable environment to draw new business to the area. Judges praised the masterplan for its realistic approach, sensitivity to the natural landscape and understanding of client requirements.

As part of the design team we were subsequently responsible for developing the masterplan to an Outline Planning application including the preparation of details for a Simplified Planning Zone, a site specific Design Guide and advance planting proposals. Once approved, we were also responsible for designing and implementing a first phase of infrastructure landscape and engineering works, designing and implementing the landscape around the first buildings and running the maintenance contract.