The parks in London, Darlington, Oldham and Stoke-on-Trent are now set to begin major redevelopment work.
Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said on behalf of HLF and BIG:
“Now the clocks have gone forward, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy our many wonderful public parks. We should all remember that parks need constant care and attention, often relying heavily on voluntary support and continued investment. HLF and BIG recognise this and are proud to play a key role in supporting such an important part of our country’s heritage.”
The six parks receiving grants today are:
Bishop’s Park and Fulham Palace Grounds, Fulham, London - £3.64m
The gardens of Fulham Palace are amongst the most important in the country and were once surrounded by the longest moat in England. The grounds were made famous in the 16th century when grapes were cultivated there and sent to Queen Elizabeth I by Bishop Grindal**. Bishop’s Park officially opened in 1893 and included land known as Bishop’s Walk, Bishop’s Meadow and West Meadow.
The Parks for People grant will enable these two pieces of parkland to be reunited through the restoration of the existing landscape and buildings. Volunteering opportunities and activity programmes will also help involve the local community in the day-to-day running of the park.
Horniman Gardens, Forest Hill, London - £907,000
Horniman Gardens comprise 6.4ha of formal and natural landscapes, ranging from sunken rose gardens to ethno-botanical planting. In the heart of South London, the gardens provide a tranquil escape for local residents and visitors to the Horniman Museum.
This money from HLF and BIG means the park’s historic features, such as the bandstand terrace, can be restored and picturesque views of the city opened up. Plans include a world food garden and new learning centre that will let young people learn about and engage with the history of the gardens
Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, London - £4.5m
Victoria Park was opened in 1845, after Queen Victoria received a petition of 30,000 signatures from East Enders requesting a park in the area. Widely known as the ‘people’s park’, Victoria Park hosted the ‘Rock against Racism’ concert in the 1970s and has seen a wide range of public speaking spectacles, campaigning and events in its long history. It's still hugely popular today - 84% of people asked supported the plans for the planned improvements and the local council's visitor survey showed the park can expect over 7.5 million visits a year.
Lottery funding will go towards restoring the park’s four most well-known features: the Burdett-Coutts Fountain; the Chinese Pagoda; the Dogs of Alcibiades; and the Old English Garden. There will be new volunteering and training opportunities including the chance to learn horticultural and conservation skills.
Brinkburn Denes Park, Darlington - £878,500
The establishment of the Denes began by piecing various parts of existing landscape together during the 1920s, starting with the then named Cockerton Valley Gardens, a disused part of the Pease Estate. The Pease family, who donated the land, lived and worked in the area and were heavily involved the coal and manufacturing industries. They were also the founders of the Darlington and Stockton railway.
The Denes serves an area of terraced housing where local people have very little green space. The grant will be used to revitalise the existing landscape and introduce a full range of activities and events - including volunteering and training opportunities for young people. Better lighting and new entrances to the park will also be put in, improving access and creating a safer place for the community to enjoy.
Dunwood Park, Oldham - £1.093m
Dunwood Park lies in Shaw in Oldham and was created in 1912 to give the local community and mill workers access to a healthy environment and green space. Its combination of formal landscape design and woodland is unique.
Plans for Dunwood include restoring and refurbishing two park buildings, revitalising worn-out paths, repairing original dry stone walls, and creating an adventure play zone. The park will also be developed as an active hub for local events and activities.
Burslem Park, Stoke-on-Trent, - £2.097m
Grade II listed Burslem Park was created by Thomas Mawson, a prolific landscape designer. It opened to the public in 1894 and still retains much of its original 19th -century features.
Plans include extensive restoration work to the park’s pavilion and terracotta terrace plus improved access, heritage and wildlife walks and special environmental educational programmes for schools and families.