The reimagining of Shakespeare’s New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon reached a significant milestone this week as the new lawn was laid in the Great Garden, restoring it to its former glory. This heralds the final stages of the ground breaking project undertaken by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as part of Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary celebrations.

With just over a month to go until Shakespeare’s New Place is opened to the public on 1 July 2016, the laying of the 2000m sq lawn in the Great Garden is a big step forward for the project. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust appointed the services of Teal Turf to carry out the works.

Glyn Jones, Head of Gardens at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said: “We are delighted to have laid the new lawn in the Great Garden this week. The lawn has transformed the landscape of New Place and will be a space for visitors to sit, relax and contemplate in this the most enduring project to celebrate 400 years of Shakespeare’s legacy.”

An important element in the revival of Shakespeare’s New Place, the Great Garden has been retained as a formal Victorian Park, offering an expansive lawn, herbaceous borders and the famous yew hedge.

Shakespeare moved into New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, back in 1597. He lived in the grand family home for 19 years and during this time, wrote some of his most enduring works. Now, 400 years later, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust will open a fresh chapter in the story of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Shakespeare’s New Place is a permanent celebration of the playwright’s influence for future generations to enjoy; a retelling, rather than a rebuilding, of Shakespeare’s family home which was demolished three centuries ago, and the plot has been conserved as a garden in honour of Shakespeare ever since. The reinvention of New Place will be a heritage landmark where visitors will be able to walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps and connect with the playwright, through a series of dramatic artworks, skilful landscaping, architecture and horticulture, for generations to come. A dynamic exhibition will also tell the story of Shakespeare’s family life at New Place, showcasing rare and important artefacts from the Trust’s collections as well as finds from the archaeological dig.