The Hepworth Wakefield New Garden

Procured via the YORbuild2 Framework, Houlton were delighted to be chosen to complete The Hepworth Wakefield Garden.

The Hepworth Wakefield Garden, designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, is a beautifully landscaped garden free for all to enjoy.

As well as Stuart-Smith’s distinctive planting, there are outdoor sculptures by Lynn Chadwick, Sir Michael Craig-Martin, Barbara Hepworth and Rebecca Warren.

Tom Stuart-Smith’s design draws inspiration from its unusual setting between 19th-century red-brick mills and a 21st-century art gallery, edged by the River Calder. It echos the striking, angular shapes of the David Chipperfield-designed gallery while harnessing a naturalism that reflects Barbara Hepworth’s deep connection to the landscape.

The project, predominantly civil engineering works, was phased.

Phase 1 - Concrete Walls & Benches
Phase 2 - Drainage & Services
Phase 3 - Footpath & Stone Sets
Phase 4 - Soft Landscaping

Construction of the garden commenced in January 2019. The first phase – the large central area of the garden – opened in summer 2019.

Work on phase two of the garden started in early February 2020. This phase comprises the construction of a wall with new planting on both sides to create the ‘woodland edge’ section of the design. This will shield the garden from the multiple lanes of traffic on Doncaster Road, helping the garden become a tranquil space.

Work on restoring the gatehouse will started at the end of February 2020. With support from The Wilkes Group in memory of Gerald Wilkes, the gatehouse is being brought back into use as a small catering facility serving drinks, ice cream and snacks.

Andrew Kingston, Managing Director of Houlton said: “We’re proud to have been involved on this significant development of Wakefield Waterfront and are especially pleased to have worked on such a flagship project for Yorkshire during our 140th anniversary year. This challenging project has seen Tom Stuart-Smith's vision turn into a reality for the people of Wakefield and the visitors of the gallery.

A time lapse video taken by the gallery during construction can be seen at:- https://youtu.be/nmG9Da25XeU

See the delightful new garden during lockdown in 2020 at:- https://youtu.be/dqguwVyk6AA