The Bowcliffe estate lies a few miles from Wetherby, near Leeds. Built in the early 19th century by a wealthy cotton spinner from Manchester, the Hall was later bought and lived in by the aviation pioneer Robert Blackburn of Leeds, and his achievements and colourful life are inspiring a number of projects across the estate. Today, the Hall is privately owned, and is run as a series of commercially let offices as well as a venue for corporate events and weddings. Alistair was commissioned to draw up a masterplan for the c.40 acre estate, including a new formal garden and folly, the reinstatement of parkland, revitalising the arrival experience and the introduction of an innovative and highly modern events centre situated in ancient woodland. Planning consent for the masterplan was granted in February 2012.
Blackburn Wing images courtesy of Harris Partnership