New Enclosure was appointed to deliver landscape design proposals as part of an ambitious community led scheme to transform Grosvenor and Riverside House in Salisbury.

The vision of R3, the community interest company leading the project, was to explore how these buildings and its landscape could be used to serve a community confronted with very immediate challenges. The site is in a contextually important location with Salisbury train station and the river Avon/Nadder bounding the site. It is a threshold between the urban interface of Salisbury city centre and the natural interface of the river Avon and the wider historic water meadows that typify the area. These urban and natural interfaces, as well as the community heart of the project, provided a strong footing from which to inspire the design process. 

Working closely with R3, project architect Hackett & Holland, illustrator Francesca Mclean, and others on the development team, New Enclosure was responsible for the production of landscape proposals that made clear how the project could deliver great community benefit. Namely, how the derelict site’s existing qualities could be reimagined to provide outdoor performance space, a kitchen garden, natural play areas, and flexible multi use space to accommodate day to day activity as well as an active programme of events. A holistic and sustainable approach was embraced by the whole development team with regards to construction, on site energy and food provision, and the management and maintenance of the development.

New Enclosure’s work formed an integral part of the development proposals that were put forward to public consultation and Wiltshire Council. Fundraising efforts did not meet the substantial multi-million pound amount required to deliver the project but R3 lives on and is currently exploring new options to serve the communities of Salisbury and Wiltshire.

Elevation courtesy of Hackett & Holland; illustrations by Francesca Mclean under direction of New Enclosure