The proposals deliver a new headquarters for Dorset Police, replacing the existing building on site, and bringing a new Memorial Garden alongside a series of garden spaces for socialisation, education, retreat and outreach.
The planting design emulates the surrounding heathland, incorporating locally significant species to reinforce local landscape character and create new habitat.
Gentle earth mounds are incorporated into the gardens and are inspired by the barrows in the surrounding landscape.
The Memorial Garden, constructed on the footprint of the former building, draws inspiration from the landscape character of the neighbouring Winfrith Heath (SSSI), characterised by dry heathland, wetlands and peaty pools and home to a host of wildlife and a number of rare heathland species.
The barrows also create a more relaxing and immersive experience for users and help to screen the adjacent car parking from within.
The designs aim to create a green working environment to meet modern policing needs, which promotes health and wellbeing, as well as providing social and recreation spaces which also create opportunities for education and outreach.
