Avenue House

The Avenue House Estate, a late nineteenth century Grade II listed House with extensive landscaped gardens was gifted for the use and enjoyment of the people by Henry Charles 'Inky' Stephens of the Stephens' Ink Company on his death in 1918.

 

Over recent years the estate had suffered from under investment with the Bothy and Water Tower being put on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ register.

 

In 2014 the Trust secured a £2.1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Parks for the People programme to restore the Grade II landscape and buildings and provide a new café and Activity Centre within the Stables and Garage.

 

Construction works took place in 2016 and 2017. MRDA administered the building contracts for the conversion of the brick built stable and garage into a new café and Visitor Centre and the works to consolidate, stabilise and repair the concrete water tower and bothy whilst conserving their patina of age and picturesque appearance within the gardens.

 

Construction value c. £400,000.00 + VAT