Sportswear brand New Balance have presented its first-ever garden at its Made in UK factory in Flimby, Cumbria.

It was devised in partnership with London-based jewellery designer Bleue Burnham and is a space for workers to rest and reflect. According to New Balance, the project is a celebration of its workers.

The garden was designed by Bleue Wickham-Burnahm with the Lake District in mind, and features wildflowers, “undulating” flower beds and flowering cherry trees.

The pair have also produced a documentary-style film which details the development of the product. Additional films focused on the garden will be shown across digital and social channels with appearances from broadcaster Monty Don.

Dan Holtby, director of UK manufacturing and operation at New Balance said: “At New Balance, craftsmanship starts with people. The Flimby factory has been home to generations of skilled makers, and we wanted to create something meaningful for the employees who continue that legacy every day.

“This garden is a celebration of their contribution and a space designed for their wellbeing, enjoyment and connection to the natural environment that surrounds the factory.”

Bleue Wickham-Burnham added: “It’s both a privilege and an honour to have been entrusted with designing a garden for New Balance at their Made in UK factory.

“The project gave us the opportunity to explore how our design language and philosophy could interact with garden design, creating a space that is playful in its design, whilst encouraging moments of pause, connection and joy throughout the working day.”

The factory employs 300 workers and since 1991 has been home to the Made in UK line.

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