Reculver is an historic settlement on the north coast of Kent with a rich history ranging from housing, a Roman Fort, Saxon Abbey and more recently a country park with static caravans. This dramatic site has seen huge coastline changes with the silting up of the Wantsum Channel (that separated the Isle of Thanet from Kent) and extensive shoreline erosion. There are still key physical fragments of cultural heritage such as the iconic landmark twin towers, a scheduled ancient monument. Parts of the park are also designated RAMSAR and SSSI sites and are used as an educational base for school and college groups. However, Reculver has suffered economically from the decline in traditional caravan holidays and the current sites and their associated facilities are a very poor quality counterpoint to the area's natural assets.
Canterbury City Council, who own and manage the site with English Heritage, Kent Wildlife Trust and a group of local businesses, identified the need for a wide reaching masterplan to address diverse issues such as the future of the caravan parks and businesses, the protection and enhancement of heritage assets and the impacts of a recent shoreline management strategy.
Canterbury City Council, who own and manage the site with English Heritage, Kent Wildlife Trust and a group of local businesses, identified the need for a wide reaching masterplan to address diverse issues such as the future of the caravan parks and businesses, the protection and enhancement of heritage assets and the impacts of a recent shoreline management strategy.
Overview
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Project Name
Reculver Country Park masterplan
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Location
Reculver, Kent
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Category
Coastal, waterways and wetlands
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Landscape Architect
Allen Scott Ltd
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Client
Canterbury City Council
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Brief
Develop a masterplan for the improvement of caravan parks; management of the Country Park; assessment of future business, recreation, biodiversity and heritage opportunities; audit of existing access provision; assessment of barriers to regeneration, and business synergy options.
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Awards
Winner 2009 LI Awards Local Landscape Planning
Details
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Project Team
Tourism/Market Consultant: Acorn Consulting Partnership Ltd
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Year Completed
2009
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Project Size
37 ha
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Contract Value
'£220, 000 +