By
Stuart Eatock
ECE selected to develop winery project in South Downs National Park
We are excited to confirm that ECE have been appointed to develop proposals for the Wiston winery at North Farm.
ECE won the commission after a competition in which five architecture practices were invited to submit initial proposals. ECE were selected because of their sensitive response to the historic assets on the site, and previous experience of working with the South Downs National Park. A key objective of the proposals is to invest in the local economy, and North Farm is a key site within the Park where this can be achieved.
The ‘vision’ for the site, as outlined in the Wiston Whole Estate Plan is for it to be:
“An exemplar rural employment and tourism site, set in a backdrop of vineyards that hosts and showcases skills, innovation, local products, culture and custom.”
ECE’s vision for North Farm integrates social, economic and environmental benefits that will not just rejuvenate this site and the Wiston Estate Winery, but will also be a major benefit to the wider local community and promote tourism within the South Downs National Park. Proposals include expansion of the winery facility to accommodate wine tours and a new event space, together with visitor facilities, café, shop, commercial floorspace and holiday lets that provide overnight accommodation.
Richard Goring, Manager of the Wiston Estate comments:
“We chose ECE because they went the extra mile in their initial tender, helping us to re-imagine the site layout and giving us confidence with their professional approach to the brief. It has been excellent working with them. Their broad range of skills within the practice have taken the project forward with the right balance of detail, inspiration and speed.”
