In autumn 2021, MA Landscape Architecture students undertook a site visit to Sandford Mill in Essex.
During the field trip, Luke Worsfold from Chelmsford City Council introduced them to the site, its history, and the ongoing planning for the future.
The MA students will be producing masterplans to develop the green spaces surrounding the Mill, before presenting them to a team from the council in December.
The Council would like to repurpose Sandford Mill as a visitor destination for the region. The students have been invited to develop blue/green infrastructure to serve wider ecological assets whilst supporting the city's sustainable development.
Senior lecturer Dr Saruhan Mosler said: "Thank you to Chelmsford Council for offering our students this exciting opportunity to put their skills into practice. Sandford Mill is a fantastic setting. Our students have an exciting opportunity to make a positive, environmentally friendly difference to their local area."
Sandford Mill has a long history and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The area originally featured a water-powered corn mill. Following Chelmsford's post-war expansion, a new water works was built on the site. It remained in use from 1923 until the 1980s. The former engine room now houses Chelmsford Museum's large industrial collection.
For more information on Writtle University College's Landscape Architecture courses, visit https://writtle.ac.uk/Postgraduate-Courses