Restoration of Grantham’s Wyndham Park into a World War One Memorial Park is under way in advance of a grand September opening.
Work has started on building new facilities, restoration of original buildings and new landscape features ready for September’s ‘Dawn of a New Era’ family day opening celebration.
The Memorial Park will invoke an era when men of the Machine Gun Corps marched through the historic Memorial Arch on their way to training at Belton Park, confirmed Cllr Matthew Lee, The Leader of South Kesteven District Council and holder of the council’s arts and culture portfolio.
He said: “It’s exciting to see work underway to restore the park to its former glory. We have a golden opportunityto build on the reputation of Wyndham Park, already an award winner for its quality, to make the new memorial park a key cultural and leisure destination in the town.
“I look forward to seeing this prestigious project taking shape over coming months, ready for our big official opening in September.”
Improvements will include;
- Construction of a visitor centre with public toilets and reception facilities
- Refurbishment of the Memorial Arch, shelter and model boat lake
- Refurbishment of the former ticket office and creation of dedicated meeting space for volunteers
- Interpretation boards which highlight items of historical and ecological importanceSeating, signage, CCTV security cameras and lighting
- Soft landscaping of trees and plants
The joint SKDC and Wyndham Park Forum Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund project is supported by £818,000 of Heritage Lottery and Big Lottery funding towards the £1m-plus project, to include community events and building a body of volunteers.
Juliet Slater, Team Leader for park contractor Robert Woodhead Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to be working with South Kesteven District Council again, on what is a very exciting project.
ticket office front 1920s
“We can’t wait to get started, bringing the park back to life, creating facilities that enables a fantastic future for this park and its thousands of visitors every year. One of the really exciting aspects of the project will be working closely with the community to deliver an exciting programme of engagement while we are on site.”
Plant room rear
Architectural partners Southern Green Chartered Landscape Architects and Hugh Massey Architects are specialists in park restoration projects and together have delivered over 50 HLF projects, including several award winning schemes.
Southern Green Director Simon Green said: ‘Wyndham Park is a gem of a park located in the heart of the town. Works will restore important building and garden features as well as improving access across the park.’
A full programme of events is organised for the year including the return of the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Mayday in the Park, Shakespeare in the Park (Romeo and Juliet), the Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas in the Park.
In November a special ‘Battle’s Over’ tribute event sees Wyndham Park join with communities and organisations across the world to mark 100 years since the end of World War One, with a Beacon Lighting Ceremony.
For further information on the Wyndham Park events programme please visit www.wyndhamparkgrantham.co.uk
To see a short video of the project please visit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNZdyHjxS7Q
If you would like to volunteer time to support Wyndham Park events or the new visitor centre please contact Parks Community Engagement Officer Julie Ashworth j.ashworth@southkesteven.gov.uk
