Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Project location
Mental Health Unit, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport
Aims and Outcomes
The aim of the redesign was to transform a concrete, weed-ridden area into an accessible garden and maximising the space available. The central rowan tree has been retained and is now complemented with silver birch to echo the 'Walk in the Forest' theme. Natural timber and high quality fencing have been used throughout.
Patients were invited to enclose a written wish within the leaves that decorate the acorn seats and also to contribute to the design of the path mosaics. There is now direct access from the occupational therapy room and new social enterprise café onto decked areas in the garden.
The narrow space at the back of the building – which could have become an under-used cul-de-sac – has been turned into a quiet but accessible space with an interesting undulating pathway, planting and seating.
