Blakedown Landscapes has been appointed as PrincipalContractor to deliver phase one of the Connected Canterbury – Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Story Gardens package of works, a major public realm enhancement scheme that will transform three key sites in the city: Dane John Gardens, the historic City Wall, and Castle Row car park.

Funded by the UK Government through the Levelling Up Fund, the scheme has been commissioned by Canterbury City Council and designed by HTA Design LLP.

The works will create a series of “story gardens”, landscaped spaces that combine physical improvements with interpretation and wayfinding to reveal Canterbury’s layered history and enhance connectivity across the city centre.

At Dane John Gardens, the programme includes widening the central avenue, resurfacing paths, and reinstating historical planting. A new kiosk and outdoor terrace, improved terracing around the WWII shell shelters, and sensitive restoration of benches, lamp columns, and railings will improve both access and amenity. Wildflower meadows and new trees will help reframe the historic Mound, which will also see the reinstatement of direct steps to the pinnacle.

Improvements to the City Wall include upgraded surfacing along the walkway, new planting and wildflower meadows, and the introduction of seating and signage to support public engagement and wayfinding. These changes will enhance visibility, ecology, and interpretation along this key edge of the city.

At Castle Row, a reconfigured car park layout, hedge planting and SuDS features will soften the public realm, supported by a new shared-use path and tree-lined views toward the Castle Keep and Dane John Gardens. Landscape elements will reinterpret the former castle curtain wall and ditch, strengthening the site's historical connection to the surrounding gardens and city wall.

Dane John Gardens, the City Wall, and Castle Row car park are all Scheduled Monuments listed by Historic England, meaning any works require permission from the Secretary of State. A watching brief by Canterbury Archaeological Trust will also be in place throughout to record and investigate any finds.

Chris Wellbelove, Managing Director, Blakedown Landscapes, said: "This is a landmark project for Canterbury and we are extremely proud to be entrusted with delivering it. Blakedown's expertise in heritage-led sensitive landscaping and complex public realm delivery makes us well placed to deliver this ambitious and meaningful project. We look forward to working with Canterbury City Council, HTA Design and other stakeholders to bring this vision to life."

The Story Garden package is part of a broader strategy to animate Canterbury’s heritage through public realm investment, using landscape, narrative, and infrastructure to reconnect communities with place.