Farnham Town Council has been selected as a 2024 regional finalist in the prestigious Civic Trust Awards for its creation of a garden on the site of two former chapels. 

The historic chapels which had fallen into a state of disrepair inspired the garden design. Unstable parts of the chapel walls were reduced in height and key features such as the gable windows and stone mullions were incorporated into an attractive design which celebrates the local features. 

The footprint of the chapels has been preserved and is highlighted by repurposed flint setts which have been laid at ground level. The garden itself has been planted with trees and plants which appear in the bible. 

Commenting on successfully making it through the first stage assessment, Councillor Alan Earwaker, Mayor of Farnham says: “We are very proud to have been chosen as a regional finalist. Getting to this stage means the Civic Trust consider Hale Chapels Garden to be of significant merit in the south east, and to be contributing to the quality and appearance of the built environment whilst being sustainable, accessible and providing a positive contribution.

“Together with volunteers from the Hale Chapels Trust and local residents, we invested a great deal of time in finding a sympathetic solution for the derelict chapels which would also benefit the wider community. I feel we have achieved our objective and I am pleased this has been recognised by the Civic Trust.”

The next stage of the awards will see Hale Chapels’ Garden being considered by a national judging panel. The judges will assess whether the garden design has met the standard for a national award or a highly commended designation. Farnham Town Council will hear if it is to be recognised as a national winner in early January. The 2024 Civic Trust Awards Ceremony takes place in March 2024.