Draft Bicester Conservation Area Appraisal November 2009

9.12 Garth ParkThis character area contains the westernpart of the Garth grounds, now a publicpark, the main house and also what is nowThe Courtyard Centre north of LauntonRoad.The Conservation Area boundary wasextended in 1998 to include Garth Park thebuilding and grounds being deemed worthyof preservation and enhancement. Thebuilding itself has a close historicalconnection with the town and its park is wellused by the people of Bicester.Band stand and garden seen from southGarth Park is visually fairly self containedoasis of green, and, in summer, colour,bounded by Launton Road and the Oxfordto Bletchley rail line but affected by neither.The entrances to the park are tight andsudden and the impact of the park isrestricted to views of the evergreen treesfrom the north. There is a bandstand to thesouth west which emphasises the role ofthe area as a space for the people ofBicester.Boundary wall on Launton RoadThe 2 metre high limestone wall alongLaunton Road encloses Garth Parkcreating a tranquil oasis within butseparating the public open space from themain town centre.Inside the Courtyard CentreThe Garth seen from the south eastThe main house is a Bicester landmark andforms the centrepiece of the character area.It is built in an Arts and Crafts style withterracotta detailing and local brick withstone surrounds. The building is currentlyoccupied by Bicester Town Council but wasbequeathed to the people of Bicester byLord Bicester in 1946.51There is a small group of brick andlimestone outbuildings to the north east ofthe Garth which form a courtyard whichadd interest and character to the area.The Courtyard Centre, housed in theformer stables of The Garth, which was ahunting lodge, is similarly inward lookingbut a built form of particular architecturaldetailing and charm. The curving edge ofthe building leads the eye round intoVictoria Road. It is now occupied by aYouth Arts centre which helps create anactive feel to the space.