Press Release
Our ref: 4b.51.11
Date of Release: 10th August 2007
For Immediate Issue
Number of pages: 1
New in New Lanark
A Garden in the Sky!
An amazing garden is taking shape this summer, high above the historic village of New
Lanark on the rooftop of Mill Number 2. Visitors to New Lanark Visitor Centre are able to
view the landscaping work in progress and access the rooftop Viewing Platform. From this
vantage point visitors are provided with a bird’s-eye view of the historic village, the stunning
natural beauty of the river Clyde meandering past, and the lush green woodland of the Falls of
Clyde Wildlife Reserve.
The idea of establishing a Roof Garden at New Lanark World Heritage Site has been
germinating for several years and now it’s taking root. Following years of planning, work on
converting the 9000 sq ft of flat roof space of this ‘A’ listed building into a garden is now
well under way with the foundations being laid, mapping out this unique garden’s layout. The
imaginative design incorporates; a central water feature, performance area, sculptures of birds
and animals, and decorative planting. It is planned that the Roof Garden construction will be
completed by the end of September.
Award-winning Garden Designer and Landscape Architect, Douglas Coltart of Viridarium
has designed the Roof Garden. Douglas commented: "This has been a really exciting
challenge. The Roof Garden will be a unique and incredibly interesting addition to the current
range of visitor experiences that are available at New Lanark."
Mill Number 2 is currently home to New Lanark Mill Hotel’s contemporary and adaptable
conference facilities, and also to the Hotel’s newly opened (May 2007) state-of-the-art
Leisure Suite. Initially built in 1788 as part of the world renowned cotton mill village, which
was at one time Britain’s largest cotton manufacturing centre, Mill Number 2 fell into
disrepair when production at the mill stopped in 1968. Following a period of dereliction the
village was entrusted to the care of New Lanark Conservation Trust, which has restored the
mills and village buildings re-establishing the village and creating an award-winning visitor
attraction. In December 2001, New Lanark was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of World
Heritage Sites.
Ends.
Graeme Maciver, Assistant Development Officer, New Lanark Conservation Trust,
Tel: 01555 661345 / trust@newlanark.org / www.newlanark.org