Work on the next stage of major improvements to Memorial Park, Whaley Bridge, will start this month (July) following the appointment of Horticon Ltd as the main contractor. The company has over 30 years experience in all aspects of landscaping. Work is expected to be finished in late spring 2014.
The work will restore the park’s original layout and landscaping works, preserving its natural environment, says a press release from High Peak Borough Council.
People will be able to see what the finished project will look like at a community event in the Mechanics’ Institute between 4pm and 7pm on Thursday 25 July. Illustrations of the works will be on show and representatives from Horticon will also be attending.
Councillor Godrey Claff, executive member for regeneration at the borough council, said: “The appointment of Horticon Ltd is another big step forward for this exciting project which will restore some of the original features of the park whilst enhancing some of the facilities local people really enjoy.
“I’m looking forward to the main work getting under way and would like to thank park users for their patience whilst we carry out these improvements.”
Councillor Martin Thomas, Chair of Whaley Bridge Town Council, commented “The Memorial Park is a great asset to the community of Whaley Bridge, and this project represents a major investment in our town. The Town Council has been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the award of this contract for some time. We are delighted that this appointment has now been made and we look forward to meeting with representatives of the borough and Horticon at the open session on 25th July .”
The park was created in 1920 to commemorate the loss of 108 men in the World War I. It provides a pleasant link between residential properties and local shops and schools.
Plans for the park include restoring the war memorial, improving the entrances, installing a new bridge and play equipment and maintaining woodland and wildlife habitat including new planting to reflect original features.
Funding of £478,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund was awarded to the park for this work.
The Parks for People programme uses Lottery funds to support the regeneration, conservation and increased enjoyment of public parks. The programme aims to improve the local environment and put parks firmly back at the heart of community life. In England the two Lottery Funds have been working in partnership from 2006 to deliver a multi-million pound investment in public parks of £150m.
For the full details of the event on 25th July, please see the post in the Events diary on the right hand side of this page.