THE Pavilion and Walled Garden at Stroud's Museum in the Park has been shortlisted for a Civic Trust Award.

A £480,000 project saw the derelict area outside the museum completely transformed.

Nailsworth architects Matthew and Rachael Emous-Austin, directors at Austin Design Works, led the project to create an organic building and garden to help visitors explore the museum’s artefacts and host school and community events.

More than 2,000 schoolchildren now use the museum’s facilities every year.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have made the regional shortlist,” said Rachael.

“Particularly when you see some of the projects we’re up against, some of whom were on the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist, like Tate St Ives.

“What’s really wonderful is that we seem to be enriching people’s experience of the pavilion and garden and it’s increased footfall to the museum.

“We’ve improved the space and created something that’s really attractive, and it’s bringing people in. It’s totally accessible and totally functional.

“It was very much a community project,” said Rachael, who made illustrated books of planting and landscaping techniques to help museum volunteers transform the area themselves.

Kevin Ward, Museum Development Manager, said: “It’s a great achievement and recognises the hard work of many people.”

The Walled Garden is one of 147 projects out of 240 nationally selected for the next round of judging.

The national Civic Trust Awards shortlist is announced later this month, with winners revealed in March.