HLM Architects’ landscape architecture team has completed major landscaping works at Newfield with Talbot Specialist School in Sheffield. The work comes as part of a £22.2 million overall improvement programme.
Following the recent works, Newfield now has hard and soft play areas, a multi-use games area (MUGA) that can be used for tennis and netball, better athletics provision and an all weather pitch, thanks to additional funding from Every Child Matters. The hard surfaced sports facilities will be equally available for Talbot School to use. Other features include an external covered amphitheatre, a habitat area (shared with Talbot) with teaching circle with seating and pond with dipping platform and 3D public art incorporating salvaged material from the demolition of the original school building.
At Talbot, HLM has created a new sensory garden with five-senses planting, a stainless steel ball for sensory interaction, a giant xylophone off an elliptical decked area, an interactive creative wall for teaching lessons, a pergola structure, various heights of raised horticultural beds, an accessible greenhouse, shed store and an enclosed, canopied circular seating area. A journey can be made through the spaces, which have a variety of surface finishes which can be used as a mobility trail. The overall design has been created especially for those with special needs, with smaller intimate spaces, covered and partially covered areas, transitional spaces and stimulation through touch, taste, sight, smell and sound, along with more security and hazard protection.