Allen Scott were appointed by Rochford District Council to prepare a RIBA Stage 2 masterplan for Cherry Orchard Country Park in consultation with the Friends of Cherry Orchard Park and council officers. The study developed a concept design for future improvements and enhancements to the park, coordinated with wider policy and strategy objectives including the London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan and SUSTRANS walking and cycling proposals.

The masterplan built on the park’s existing character as a much-loved and unspoilt landscape of meadows, woodland, rivers and open countryside, identifying opportunities to improve access, connectivity, biodiversity and visitor facilities over time. Proposals included improved links to surrounding neighbourhoods and the wider footpath and cycle network, enhanced wayfinding, all-weather paths, a new visitor hub with café, ranger station and toilets, expanded orchard planting, continued ecological improvements to the River Roach and new spaces for recreation, events and informal play. Developed through consultation with stakeholders, the masterplan set out a long-term vision for the park focused on ecology and biodiversity, health and wellbeing, access and connectivity, and green tourism and rural diversification.