Opening of Shakespeare's New Place postponed

Published: 14:17, 23 June 2016

The New Place site pictured this week alongside an artists impression of the completed project

THE Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has postponed the re-opening of Shakespeare’s New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon for several weeks. Torrential rainfall in recent weeks has made it impossible for groundwork to be completed as planned, and this has in turn delayed installation of the new garden on the footprint of Shakespeare’s family home.

Shakespeare’s New Place was due to open on 1st July 2016. A revised opening date will be announced soon.

Dr Diana Owen, CEO of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said, “We had an ambitious timescale for this ground-breaking project to re-imagine Shakespeare’s New Place for the 21st century. We have met many unexpected challenges along the way, but the record rainfall has slowed things down in the final phase.

"We are naturally very disappointed that we are not able to re-open as scheduled. Everybody working on this extraordinary project is pulling out all the stops, to ensure that visitors will be able to experience this inspirational and enduring testament to Shakespeare’s legacy as soon as possible.”

More on this story in next week's Herald.

Stratford-upon-Avon Simon Woodings