The cascade at Chatsworth House is an outstanding Grade I listed landscape feature, recognised internationally. Modelled in 1697 by the French landscape designer Gillet, it was reconstructed less than a decade later by Thomas Archer and, in the 1830s, a tunnel was formed to pass under it under the direction of Joseph Paxton.

Various repairs were undertaken from the 1960s onwards, which were understood to be an attempt to address systemic problems of water leakage. The cascade is now in a state of disrepair, with water pouring through the tunnel arch from above and the stonework to the cascade bed breaking free, with significant loss of bedding mortar.

Client the Chatsworth House Trust (CHT) has sought a Consulting Engineering practice to lead the process of diagnosis, appraisal and option approvals, and provide structural, civil and conservation engineering services for the restoration of the Cascade. These services were bid through competitive tender.

CTP Consulting Engineers have been awarded this appointment.  The Investigation Stage is now complete.  This included carrying out a Site Investigation and Intrusive Investigations to establish the Cascade and step make up to enable the historic defects to be addressed.  The detailed design stage will follow on.

CTP is an experienced heritage practitioner and has two Conservation Accredited (CARE) Engineers. Its clients include The Royal Pavilion in Brighton, the National Trust, The Natural History Museum in Kensington and Harrods in Knightsbridge.