Date: 15/04/2009
Whaley Bridge Memorial Park in Derbyshire has been given the green light to begin planning major redevelopments after receiving a grant of £24,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).
The development funding from the two distributor's joint 'Parks for People' programme will enable High Peak Borough Council to further develop their bid for £478,200 to transform and regenerate their much loved park.*
John Haken, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Councillor for the Environment, said: "We are absolutely delighted about the outcome of the stage one pass for Whaley Bridge Memorial Park. This is a significant step towards implementing these exciting plans for the park - which is one of Whaley Bridge's most valuable assets. I especially want to thank the members of the community and our partners who contributed to this successful outcome. We will now be working towards another successful outcome at stage two."
The Park was created in 1920 to commemorate the loss of 106 men in WWI and includes a memorial cross which is the focal point of the area. Linking to the Peak District National Park it houses ornamental woodland planting which creates various habitats for an array of wildlife. Water is a key part of Whaley Bridge history; the Toddbrook Reservoir sits along the western edge of the park and supports many rare mosses and liverworts as well as over 30 species of bird.
Regeneration plans include reinforcing the local heritage of the park to remember all those who lost their lives in two world wars. It will also include the restoration of the war memorial area, reshape the site as it was originally in the 1920s and preserve the surrounding environment. Working with local volunteers and residents, the project will encourage mass participation in a wide range of events in keeping with the original use of the park. There will also be improvements made to the surrounding landscape to ensure the survival and success of the many species of plants and animals that live in Whaley Bridge.
Emma Sayer Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, East Midlands said: "Our parks are hugely important to our society and significantly shape our surroundings; however, time takes it toll on these wonderful spaces. This is what makes 'Parks for People' so important, it gives us a chance to bring the parks back to their former glory and allows everyone to appreciate and enjoy them for generations to come."
Mick McGrath, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region, East Midlands said: "The Big Lottery Fund is pleased to be part of the renaissance of our public parks. Today's funding is a tremendous starting point for plans to transform Whaley Bridge Memorial Park into a fantastic community space that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike."