St. Modwen 30 Years : A Generation of Regeneration 1 | Page 54

ST. MODWEN | A GENERATION OF REGENERATION | THE TRENTHAM ESTATE

However despite massive local support, such was
the significance of the scheme; it was ‘called in’
by the Government for public inquiry. A huge blow
to the progress of the Estate’s regeneration, and
detailed consent was not achieved until November
2003, over six years after the initial application.
“Upon approval, we dived immediately into
restoration and redevelopment” continues
Mike. “The whole planning issue was whether
new development was justified to support the
restoration of the Gardens and Park. We had
recognised that it had to be one comprehensive
plan, delivered over 5-10 years in phases, but
always tackling the regeneration and restoration,
backed by development.”
Employing the talent of top designers was key.
Dominic Cole, Tom Stuart-Smith and Piet Oudolf
have imprinted the restored Italian Gardens and
Grounds with a style and modernity that respects
and uses the heritage to create a truly magnificent
forward looking Garden. A tried and tested St.
Modwen saying is “to under promise and overdeliver”, and in just five years (2003-2008) all
the major work of garden restoration had been
completed. Mike is often embarrassed by experts
and visitors saying that St. Modwen has delivered
far in excess of expectations.
St. Modwen’s bold and imaginative five year
project restoring the fabulous gardens boasted
80,000 perennials in over 400 different varieties,
and 70 flower beds in the Italian Garden alone.
Not forgetting the statue of Perseus and Medusa,
one of the most impressive bronzes in the UK
(a copy of Benvenuto Cellini’s original in Florence
commissioned by the 2nd Duke in 1840)
beautifully restored to original condition.
This wonderful statue presides over the gardens

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and in 2012 featured in the Royal Academy of
Art’s Bronze exhibition.
Mike continues; “The most important milestone
for the Garden was employing Tom Stuart-Smith
who advised that we should reflect the Estate’s
history but looking forwards, not back. Through
the ages each generation of the Sutherland family
did something bold and new, we have done the
same”. Mike is often heard to say “we used the
history to move forwards.”
This approach has secured the Garden countless
other accolades. A gold medal at Chelsea Flower
Show in 2005 to celebrate the start, the European
Garden Heritage Network award for best Historic
Park restoration 2010, BBC Countryfile Magazine
Garden of the Year 2014-5 and more.
The Estate’s commerciality was also critical to
its ongoing success and securing the letting of
the 65,000 sq ft Garden Centre in 2003 was the
catalyst to build the Trentham Shopping Village
over three phases in 2004-2006. It has now
expanded to 60 shops, cafes and restaurants
and a Premier Inn Hotel. A very popular and
alternative shopping destination, it has maintained
full occupancy. Adds Mike: “We often say ‘you
go to Trentham to buy something you didn’t
know you wanted!’”
In addition to its commercial success and the
bountiful beauty of the gardens, the restored
Trentham does not shy away from the quirky.
“There isn’t one sign telling people to keep off the
grass, grass is definitely for walking on or rolling
down for those young at heart. We love children
to run around and have fun – adults too.
Why shouldn’t they?”

The Estate is home to 15 ethereal fairy
sculptures, all designed by a local artist

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