Architects have been appointed to lead a major long-term redevelopment at Harewood House.
The scheme will see a new playground and visitor centre created and the gardens overhauled at the historic home of the Earl and Countess of Harewood.
Harewood House Trust, the charity that maintains the stately home between Harrogate and Leeds, said today the project will “deliver fantastic enhancements to Harewood’s visitor offer”.
It has declined to reveal the cost but said the project will be partly funded by the Lascelles Family Will Trust and by fundraising.
More than 250,000 visitors a year visit the grade I listed house, gardens and landscapes designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
This year the bird garden closed after more than 50 years and more major changes are now in the pipeline.
The bakehouse, a grade two listed building, will be converted to a welcome centre with visitor facilities and a family activity space.
The old play area will be replaced with what the trust described as “an imaginative and inclusive playground with appeal for all ages and abilities”.
The gardens and landscapes will be reimagined by the Landscape Agency in partnership with garden designer Matthew Wilson.
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Leeds firm Bauman Lyons Architects has been appointed to lead the scheme.
Rachel Crewes, chief executive of the trust, said:
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of such impressive teams at the outset of this project. Their combined experience of creatively developing public heritage spaces, with great sensitivity to conservation, sustainability and accessibility, will undoubtedly deliver fantastic enhancements to Harewood’s visitor offer.”
The trust hopes to apply for planning permission late this year and begin work on the playground first next year.
The Stray Ferret has asked the trust, which is fundraising for the project, how much it is expected to cost.