A WORLD Shakespeare Campus in the centre of Stratford is a step closer to reality.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the charity responsible for preserving the Shakespeare family homes, has announced the organisation that will deliver the masterplan for the proposed campus on Henley Street as part of the Stratford Gateway site.
Led by BDP, a multi-disciplinary international practice of architects, designers, engineers, urbanists and master planners, the consortium will undertake a six-month scoping exercise, engaging with stakeholders and interested parties to create a comprehensive vision that will inform the future direction of the World Shakespeare Campus.
SBT spokesperson Tim Aucott said: “Our ambition for the World Shakespeare Campus is to create a space in the heart of Stratford that honours Shakespeare’s enduring legacy and celebrates his hometown.
“To achieve such an ambitious and wide-reaching project we’ve partnered with an organisation that has unrivalled experience in delivering masterplans that balance the needs of residents and the opportunities for growth and renewal. We are delighted to be working with the team at BDP.”
BDP brings a wealth of experience in developing holistically sustainable strategies for heritage and culture-focussed sites, with high-profile projects including the York Castle Gateway, Canterbury Christ Church University Masterplan and the Southgates Masterplan in King’s Lynn.
This appointment follows an open, competitive tendering process in late 2024 that saw BDP and its partner organisations IPW, Studio MB, Greenway Associates & Urban Flow selected.
Gergana Draganova, urbanism director at BDP added: “We are creating a vision for the new home of Shakespeare for the world. This project presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a cultural and heritage destination of international significance. Our team brings a balance of global expertise and local sensitivity, ensuring the World Shakespeare Campus is a place that is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.”
The consortium will undertake detailed investigative work including stakeholder engagement at local, national and international levels and undertaking business planning and feasibility studies.
The Stratford Gateway is a multi-million project to rejuvenate the “underwhelming’ northwest gateway into the town to give visitors a sense of arrival, including plans for a World Shakespeare Campus to boost tourism.
Other proposals include cafes, shops, and educational facilities, as well as residential properties.
The SBT has worked closely with Stratford District Council to conceive this vision.
