During the next 12 months visitors will see many changes take place at Upton House and Gardens, near Banbury, as the property is one of just a small number of National Trust properties selected to take part in the ‘Step Change’ project.
The ‘Step Change’ project is one of three national projects set up to modernise ways of working within the National Trust and support the implementation of the National Trust’s new strategy that play an integral part in the National Trust’s strategy to 2010 and beyond.
This puts properties and supporters (our visitors) at the heart of the organisation. The aim of the project is to pilot new ways of working for property staff and our expert functional staff with the aim of ‘getting things done’ more quickly and efficiently and reducing organisational bureaucracy as the Trust develops the visitor facilities.
© National Trust
In order to challenge old Trust processes and pilot new ways of working, we are just about to start several projects at Upton including the restoration of the old 1930’s squash court which will become a versatile exhibition space, the creation of an all weather path route around the 1920s historic garden, a new holiday cottage and a garden guide.
In addition to all of this building work, visitors will enjoy a new and exciting experience at the property when they are welcomed as house guests into the mansion as they would have in its 1930’s heyday. As the projects are undertaken, new ways of working will be tried and their effectiveness evaluated.
© National Trust
'It’s a great opportunity for Upton House and for the team who work and volunteer here to be one of the few properties taking part. But, more importantly, we are excited by the chance to develop our visitor facilities and to improve the whole experience and enjoyment of visiting Upton House'.
Julie Smith, Property Manager.
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