PEACE GARDEN PLANS FOR UNI
Landscaping to centre around the chapel
A ‘PEACE garden’ is set to be created in the grounds of Keele University if plans are given the green light.
The proposed landscaping work outside the university chapel includes a dug-out seating area, above-ground seating areas and paths.
A new ramp is also planned to provide better access to the Grade Ii-listed chapel for people with wheelchairs and limited mobility, a heritage statement submitted to Newcastle Borough Council as part of the planning application said. It added: “The ramp has been sympathetically designed as to have minimal contact with the existing building – even less so than the existing step arrangement.
“Keele University Chapel, to which the application relates, is situated to the centre of the estate and will form part of the network of green spaces available to the entire Keele community at the campus core.
“This is in response to recent student feedback requesting more green and relaxing spaces in the centre of campus and will facilitate a destination space for outdoor well-being initiatives to take place, and as a focal point to host graduation photos.
“The low gabion walling will not obstruct views to/from the chapel building or cover architectural details at low level. It will provide the proposed ‘peace garden’ with a private sheltered destination seating area, away from the busy pathways; and allow space for a community mosaic to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the original university college; as well as providing a sculpture by a local artist.
“Relocated architectural fragments and garden ornaments to the site are to be part of an ‘outdoor museum’ exhibition (and) will bring together these various recycled elements which are currently surplus to requirements. It will allow for the introduction of new small discreet nonilluminated QR code signage to inform users on the history of the site and these objects.”