NNC- Development of an Access Strategy and Masterplan through to Detailed Technical Design of Cycle/Pedestrian Route between Rushden Lakes and Wellingborough Embankment - AWARD

The Council is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced landscape architect to develop an access strategy and masterplan, through to detailed technical design of a greenway route between Rushden Lakes and Wellingborough Embankment, (approximately five (5) kilometre linear route). The route passes through protected wetlands and a scheduled monument, and the land is a mix of privately owned land with existing rights of way permissions.

A detailed design study is required, which will inform the delivery of an accessible cycle/pedestrian route between Rushden Lakes and Wellingborough Embankment, facilitating access to Chester House and extending the North Northamptonshire Greenway in the Nene Valley.

Chester House Estate is a nationally significant heritage site and Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM). In the surrounding area lies a Special Protected Area (SPA), the River Nene and other built and natural features.

The Access Strategy will include a landscape character assessment to analyse and describe potential impacts of visitors, topographic and sensitivity. This will inform a feasibility and design options report recommending solutions for leisure and commuter access.

The Rushden to Wellingborough study will specifically take place between Rushden Lakes and Wellingborough via Chester House Estate. (Google Plus Codes: All Wellingborough: 8926+2W through to 78RC+XQ via 78RW+MF, Grid references: SP929677 to SP902668 via SP919668).

The scope of the work will involve:

Preliminary meetings with North Northamptonshire Council and stakeholders including preparatory work and information sharing;

A landscape character assessment;

Proposal of access options;

A technical detailed design study scoping a minimum of one (1) route; and

A site masterplan showing agreed route.

This contract must be concluded by no later than Wednesday,15th June 2022.