05/10/2023: Breckland Council and partners triumph at National Landscaping Awards

Breckland Council is delighted to announce that Dereham's Queen Mother's Garden project has been awarded the prestigious BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) national landscaping award in the Regeneration Scheme - Under £500K category.

Praised by the BALI judges as "an exemplar of how collaboration between stakeholders can bring about positive change on many levels", the award recognises the collaborative work of Breckland Council, CGM, the contractor, architects, Jeremy and Rhona Stacey, and Dereham Town Council.  

The scheme has transformed the garden, restoring a park originally opened by the Queen Mother in 1983.

Councillor Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement at Breckland Council commented: "The Queen Mother's Garden project has been a transformational project, not just for Dereham, but for our approach to working in partnership.

"This national award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of all those involved, from the contractors, CGM, to the architects, Jeremy and Rhona Stacey, and our partners on Dereham Town Council.  I would also like to thank Cllr Alison Webb for driving this project to success on behalf of Breckland and Dereham residents. We are truly honoured to be recognized by BALI."

Cllr Hugh King, Mayor of Dereham Town Council said "It great to see the contractors CGM Group receive this award, it is well deserved. The garden is much improved thanks to the skill and expertise of CGM Group in implementing an inspiring design from Rhona Flemming. Credit should also go to Cllr Harry Clarke who has been steadfast in delivering this project for almost 7 years, an outstanding achievement which has helped bring this wonderful garden back to life."