Member Article

Work Begins on Historic Walled Garden

A County Durham construction company is laying down roots for the restoration of one the region’s most historic gardens.

Rainton Construction, based in Durham, has begun early preliminary works at Auckland Castle’s 17th Century Walled Garden, which is being reimagined as part of The Auckland Project’s wider £130m revitalisation project.

Workers are now on site, clearing rubble, preserving and storing historically significant stonework, and preparing access routes to allow for further works to commence in the new year.

Established in 1992, Rainton Construction has previously worked with The Auckland Project’s sister charity, Eleven Arches on the site for the open-air show, Kynren- an epic tale of England.

In addition, Rainton Construction has worked on many other major local projects within Durham, including the complex civil engineering project on the historic Freeman’s Reach in the heart of Durham City Centre, for which it received the CECA North East Project of the Year Award in 2015.

Dave Elliott, Managing Director of Rainton Construction, said: “Rainton Construction is delighted to be part of The Auckland Project’s plans to revitalise the Walled Garden and create a wonderful heritage destination to be enjoyed by visitors from across Durham and beyond.

“As a Durham based company, we are acutely aware of the importance and significance of Auckland Castle, and our predominantly local workforce is especially proud to be involved in the project.”

The Walled Garden was originally created in the grounds of Auckland Castle by Bishop Cosin in the 17th Century.

It was one of the first in the region to use heated walls and innovative glass hothouses to grow vegetables, flowers and fruit, including pineapples, which were served to the Bishop’s guests.

Following this tradition fruit and vegetables harvested from the restored Walled Garden will be plated up in The Auckland Project’s restaurants.

The work currently being undertaken by Rainton Construction will run until February 2018 and is the first phase of The Auckland Project’s plans to reimagine the garden as it would have been hundreds of years ago.

Following the initial phase of works, Rainton Construction will be working on site during 2018, completing a complex earth removal exercise, insitu reinforced concrete retaining structures, as well as works to all the Grade 1 listed walls and new pedestrian access ways involving extensive paving.

Supported by Garfield Weston Foundation and The Headley Trust, the Walled Garden is due to open to the public in 2018.

Dr David Cox, Project Director at The Auckland Project, said: “We’re very excited to be joining forces with Rainton Construction to start work on the Walled Garden.

“This first phase of work will allow this historic garden to be transformed and opened up to the public as a peaceful space for all to enjoy.”

Rainton Construction is the latest local business to work with The Auckland Project in its plans to create a world-class visitor destination in Bishop Auckland.

Darlington-founded construction management consultancy, Turner and Townsend is managing much of the building work for the overall project.

Redfern Building Services and joiners, T. Manners & Sons Ltd, both based in Bishop Auckland, recently carried out the work to transform Bishop Auckland’s Grade I listed Old Bank Chambers into the Mining Art Gallery, part of The Auckland Project.

And Gateshead company, Meldrum Construction has been contracted to carry out the conservation of 900-year-old Auckland Castle.

For more information on the Walled Garden and to stay up to date with The Auckland Project’s Future Plans, visit: www.aucklandproject.org

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Auckland Project .