Painswick Rococo Garden is facing a turbulent few months and needs to raise more than £60,000 before the end of September to help relocate its operational base.
The charitable trust which owns the garden leases the current visitor facilities, and this lease ends in September. Despite lengthy negotiations, the trustees have concluded that moving out is the only option to protect the long-term future of the garden. The charity now has the enormous challenge of relocating to a brand-new area on-site.
Planning permission for a new purpose-built visitor centre had successfully been gained in 2019, but the ravages of the pandemic and funding challenges have rendered these plans unviable.
An urgent Crowdfunder appeal has now been launched to enable the organisation to create temporary facilities to operate from. These facilities will replace the current Coach House complex with an attractive new welcome area for visitors which will include a café, a seating area with views out to the garden, toilets and a shop.
The garden dates back to the early 1700s and is Britain’s only complete surviving example of a rococo garden open to the public. It is a well-known attraction, and the garden’s team, staff and volunteers are committed to ensuring that it remains open.
Painswick Rococo Garden expects to welcome 45,000 visitors this year from all over the world. It is also a treasured spot for the team of more than 70 committed volunteers who generously give their time to preserve the Garden’s heritage, protects its habitats and provide a welcoming place for the public to learn about its history and connect with nature.
Garden Director, Dominic Hamilton said: “It’s an ambitious project but we are excited by this opportunity to provide our visitors with something new. Once complete, visitors will have a beautiful space to relax and enjoy this unique environment. Our plans are simple and in-keeping with the garden’s setting.
“To make these plans a reality, we urgently need your help at this challenging time. £60,000 will enable us to deliver our plans and continue to provide a warm welcome to our wonderful visitors.”
The garden’s Crowdfunder features exclusive rewards such as signed art prints, the chance to shadow a gardener and private hire of the garden for your party: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/supportrococo
To discuss a larger donation, contact the charity’s fundraiser, Marisa Vaughan, on fundraising@rococogarden.org.uk or call 01452 813204.
