First phase of garden project opens in town centre

The first phase of a new town centre garden funded by a government grant of almost £800,000 has been completed.

The Peace Garden in Newbury was set to welcome visitors for the first time following an opening ceremony at 13:00 BST.

Development of the site has so far involved tree planting and the creation of a picnic lawn. The second phase of work will be completed by West Berkshire Council at a later date.

Councillor Justin Pemberton, from the local authority, said, the opening of the garden "marks a proud and transformative moment for Newbury".

"It's a vital part of our vision to reimagine the town centre as a place where people can connect, not just with each other, but with nature and the environment around them," he said.

"This welcoming space is a tribute to thoughtful design and strong partnerships and I'm excited to see it flourish."

The project has been funded by the government through its Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

West Berkshire Council said the new space "blends nature, accessibility, and community connection".

A second phase of the garden's development will involve putting mixed grass in new raised planters for "picnics, play and pause".

New timber benches will also be installed, leading to a viewing platform by the riverfront, new metal railings to the water's edge and some more planters and trees.

But a spokesperson for the council last month said the second phase of work had not yet been finished due to work shoring up the garden's canal bank.

Alongside the new Peace Garden, a new Tudor garden at the Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion Shaw House - also in Newbury - was also set to be officially unveiled.

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