"It was important to us that the new plans respect the old building (and our neighbours in this residential street), so the exterior will look like a cleaner, sharper version of the original, without being taller or wider. The ‘wall of bricks’ donated by 1200 supporters during our fundraising campaign will be a prominent feature and lasting legacy of the building’s story. Inside we’re retaining the ‘cuddle door’ that came to mean so much to so many during lockdown, and providing more comfortable stables for the horses that will return here."

The RIBA website says of the project:   "Following the expiry of a property lease held by a much loved local charity a project brief was born. The core requirement was to re-purpose the ancillary ground floor flat, developed in the 1980s, to provide welcoming visitor facilities to include a community space with 'cuddle horse' stall, a private consultation room and an accessible WC within a thermally upgraded and serviced space. Park Lane Stables RDA provides horse riding opportunities for disabled children and adults. With a local fundraising endeavour going national, the Local Council locally spot listed the premises, the freehold was purchased, with the proprietor and charity team working together. The premises comprised a dilapidated collection of small-scale structures, featuring both stables and service accommodation for staff and volunteers, and including ancillary residential space and elements of historic fabric dating back to its use as an 1830s fire station with attendant stabling. The redevelopment project has now provided upgraded stabling, staff facilities and community spaces with stabling for nine horses."

“Despite the glorious history of our stables in Teddington, the building was not built with horse welfare and humans with additional needs in mind and it is therefore critical we modernise”, explains Natalie O’Rourke.The cottage that was home to Natalie and her family is being replaced with a quiet and light communal area, and we look forward to welcoming many of you here for a cup of tea and a pony cuddle in the future. Our therapy rooms will be here too.  You can follow the journey on Park Lane Stables website!