Work has begun to transform parks across Lichfield.
Restoration and improvements are being made to Beacon Park as part of the £3.5 million project to transform it, along with the Garden of Remembrance, and Minster Pool and Walk.
The Lichfield Parks Project is a partnership project by Lichfield District Council and Lichfield City Council and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s and the Big Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme.
Councillor Neil Roberts, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Development Services, said:
“It’s so important we preserve our historic green spaces for future generations. Restoring our city parks will help to attract even more visitors to our district, boosting local shops and businesses, which is so important, especially during the current economic climate.”
The transformation will see a new café, refreshment kiosk, bowls and education pavilion, toilets, and new and improved play areas for children of all ages.
Conservation work will also be carried out on the listed structures, including the statues, railings and fountain.
The Casey Group, a building and land reclamation company with extensive experience in park restoration has been chosen by Lichfield District Council to carry out the improvements work.
Mike Cafferky, Operations Director of Casey, said:“This will be our twelfth HLF funded scheme in the last four years so we’re on familiar ground, with a proven track record of excellent workmanship and quality.”
The work will be done in phases, so visitors will notice that some areas of the park will be closed off while the improvements take place.
The initial works will start with the setting up of the site offices in the Beacon Park works compound. Work will then progress to the creation of a new bowling green next to the existing bowling green in the recreation grounds and the removal of the toddlers’ play area whilst a new play area is built.
Further works will follow – to keep up to date visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/historicparks or see the site notices in the parks.
Councillor Val Richards, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said:
“We are grateful to visitors to Beacon Park for bearing with us while the works are taking place, and know that the results will be worth it.”
Wonderful news about the grant for Beacon Park. I understand they are moving the old Museum crown green. What a great spot for a new Bandstand that could be used by all ages with a musical talent . Come on Lichfield it would be such a focal point for everyone. Here’s hoping.
Lets hope there will some more picnic benches – the tourists need somewhere to eat their lunch.
A requirement made even more pressing by the fact that so many local dining establishments seem to be getting very low marks on Ratemyplace…
Bob
We need “bring a packed lunch” bolted under the Fair trade on the Welcome to Lichfield signs.