New plans to revamp Fountains Abbey have been unveiled by the National Trust.

The £3.5m scheme plans to expand and improve the water garden area of the estate near Ripon.

The canal gates area, once the entrance to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate, will also be a focus for work.

If the plans are approved they will transform the water gardens, inspired by the 18th-century garden design.

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The plans will also create a whole new visitor facility which will be more equipped for welcoming the 21st-century visitor to the grounds.

They will include accessible toilets, an enhanced café and an area dedicated to bringing the story of the water gardens to life.

Justin Scully, General Manager of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said: “The Studley Revealed project is an exciting part of the ongoing conservation of the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage Site.

“It has long been our ambition to improve the appearance of this area of the site and how visitors experience it.

“Crucially, it means we can create a place for our visitors to learn more about the fascinating history of Studley Royal, its international significance and our role in caring for it, whilst simultaneously having a more enjoyable and accessible experience.

“As General Manager of this special place, I’m delighted we’ve reached this stage of submitting our plans.

“The project was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it gave us extra time to consider the feedback from our consultation in 2019 and we've been able to update our plans.

“I feel that the final proposals offer a delightful presentation of the history, welcome and design of this World Heritage Site."

The plans have been drawn up by an award-winning architect studio, Feilden Fowles, which specialises in heritage projects.

Along with landscaping at the water gardens, new visitor facilities will be added at the Studley café, which most visitors reach at the halfway point of a visit.

There will be a new timber framed brick building extension which will include more toilets.

The structure will have a sustainable green roof and be surrounded by new walkways inspired by the 18th-century garden design.

Fergus Feilden, Director at Feilden Fowles, said: “This much-loved historical site has been subject to evolution and renewal for centuries.

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“Our scheme seeks to restore some of the primary axes, removing piecemeal extensions to open up historic views of the Water Garden and create a 21st Century setting in the tradition of the Aislabie’s original design intent.

“New additions to the site are carefully designed to sit contextually within the World Heritage Site, enhancing the public’s enjoyment and appreciation of the landscape.”

It is hoped that the new facilities will open in 2025.