Image demonstrating Good progress on park restoration project

Good progress on park restoration project

Work is progressing well on a multi-million pound scheme to restore an historic Ashington park to its former glory.

Northumberland County Council successfully secured £2.29million National Lottery funding to rejuvenate Hirst Park, create a new play area and restore the greenhouses and buildings.

The grant, awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, is supported by contributions from the county council, as well as the town council and Ashington Leisure Partnership, bringing the total project value to £2.7m.

Work began in February on the main £1.9m improvement scheme and the work includes:
  • Planting of trees, shrubs and flowers throughout the park
  • A new children's play area (including a water feature)
  • A performance area on the former site of the Woodhorn disaster memorial
  • A new formal garden
  • The creation of a horticultural training building and growing area to be operated in partnership with Northumberland College.
  • A new community allotment to be operated by the Full Circle Food Project.  
  • Repairs to gates and fences 
  • Improvements to paths, tennis courts, outdoor games areas.

The new formal garden has now been constructed and planted, the tennis courts have been completed and work is well underway on the water play feature and the play area.

The construction of the Growing Zone is progressing well and it’s hoped the play zone will be completed and open for use before the end of the summer.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “We’ve made some excellent progress over the last few months in Hirst Park and the scheme is really starting to take shape.

“So much work has gone into this scheme over the past few years to get us to this point and it’s so encouraging that a number of key features are now built or well underway.

“I am sure local people and visitors alike will enjoy what will be a fantastic finished project.”
 
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