Ambitious North East Autism Society development enters phase two
Part of our ongoing Growing Futures appeal, the second phase of development will see several new buildings erected – including a cider mill, a farm shop, and a café.
Artist unveils initial designs for New Warlands Farm café
A CELEBRATED artist has unveiled initial ideas for designs that will be incorporated into plans to transform a County Durham farm into an employment hub for autistic people.
Mackenzie Thorpe, a former Teesside shipyard worker whose artworks are in demand internationally, is supporting the North East Autism Society (NEAS) with its vision for New Warlands Farm, in County Durham.
NEAS has unveiled a bold plan to create a wealth of opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people by turning the working farm, near Burnhope, into an employment and training centre as well as a visitor attraction.
The charity has launched a ‘Growing Futures’ appeal to support the plan, with North East businessman and philanthropist, Sir Peter Vardy, leading the way by announcing a £500,000 pledge.
A host of businesses have come forward with an “incredible” response to Sir Peter’s challenge to match his pledge, and the plan is confidently expected to come to fruition next year.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie, who is a patron and passionate supporter of NEAS, has been working on ways to incorporate his art into the site, and has linked up with multi award-winning international interior design company Liqui Design.
The artist, alongside his wife, Susan, gave an update on the initial concepts to fellow patrons – TV presenter Pam Royle, business leader Bob Cuffe, and journalist Peter Barron – at a meeting held at Darlington Hippodrome.
The meeting was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, who was recently made a Dame in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Mackenzie said:
“I am deeply honoured to be associated with such a special charity and to be asked to be involved in such a special project. However, we don’t want it to just be a case of hanging some of my pictures up at the site – we want to take a holistic approach, so that the whole farm feels like a work of art.
“That’s why we’ve teamed up with Liqui, which specialises in interior design and can help bring my ideas to life in a conceptual and inspirational way.”
Sophie Simpson, interior designer with Liqui Design, added: “We’re so excited to be working alongside Mackenzie, and the NEAS team, on a project that brings together art, community and purpose.
“Designing a space that supports potential, encourages connection, and serves great coffee, is exactly the kind of work we love. We can’t wait to help bring it to life.”
(Above: Architectural plans of the café, which will be brought to life by Mackenzie’s designs)
The plans for the farm include a farm shop and café, and Liqui has a strong track record in restaurant interior design.
John Phillipson, NEAS Chief Executive, said: “We’re not giving away too much detail at this stage, but suffice to say I am blown away by the initial designs, and so excited to see them being developed in a way that will make the farm such a wonderful place to visit.
“Thanks to the incredible response we’ve had from businesses and charitable trusts, we know the plans are going to become a reality, with work starting soon, and Mackenzie’s input will make New Warlands even more special.”
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