Once the ancient capital of East Anglia, Thetford is a small, historical market town situated at the heart of the unique Brecks natural area. It has a unique location deep within Thetford forest. Its heritage stretches from being the home of Boudica’s Iceni tribe, since then it has been continuously occupied. It was an important staging post on the route between London and Norwich (at which time it was England’s sixth largest town). Each era has left its mark and today the town centre contains an unusually large number of designated assets including Listed buildings and Scheduled monuments.

Much of the building stock is built from a limited palette of local materials creating a coherent and distinctive architectural character. In turn these collections of buildings create attractive streets. As a result, much of the town centre has been designated as a Conservation Area. In addition to the built assets there are a number of natural features which are highly valued by the town and which have a significant connection to the town’s heritage.

Our landscape team enjoyed a collaborative effort with Thetford Town Council, Tricolor Associates and Purcell Architects to produce a heritage masterplan for the town centre. Our collective endeavour began with an in-depth analysis of Thetford, delving into the essence of its historical significance. We embarked on a journey to uncover the narrative woven into the fabric of the town centre, where a tapestry of historic features tells the story of bygone eras. Our mission was to identify strategic opportunities that would not only enhance these features but also create a cohesive connection between them, thereby elevating the town’s historical narrative.

Guiding our efforts was a comprehensive programme of consultation, designed to capture the voice of the community. It was imperative that our proposals not only resonated with the heartbeat of Thetford but also mirrored the aspirations and needs of its residents. This inclusive approach ensured that the community stood at the forefront of our planning, shaping the future of their town with their insights and visions.

The result of this extensive consultation is a set of proposals that reflect a deep understanding of the community’s desires. These proposals aim to amplify Thetford’s allure to visitors, drawing them into a town that celebrates its past while looking confidently towards the future. Through this initiative, we aspire to enhance the visitor experience, making Thetford not just a destination but a journey through history, culture and community spirit.