Celebration will mark the completion of People's Park restoration

FOLLOWING on from the recent completion of the major restoration of People’s Park, an end of project celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 29 at 10.30am.

The £2.7m restoration of the park has been made possible through a £1.93m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with further funding from North East Lincolnshire Council and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Liveability Fund. The Friends of People’s Park have also been committed to the development of this project.

Fiona Spiers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The wonderful thing about the UK's parks is that they are as much a part of our city life as they were for the Victorian's who created them. People's Park is a stunning example of this and the 29th of July will be a great way for local communities to celebrate the hugely successful restoration of this gem."

The HLF provided the grant to enable the park to be returned to its former Victorian glory. Improvements have included the development of a new pavilion and café facility, major enhancements to the lake area and the installation of two feature fountains.

The Smethurst Monument has been restored, pathways have been resurfaced and entrance areas improved. New street furniture has been installed, CCTV cameras have been set up, improvements have been made to the bandstand area and a new terrace has been built in front of the Floral Hall.

The original planting schemes of the park have been reinstated and interpretation boards and a perimeter trip rail have been installed. Restoration work on the bowls pavilion has also taken place.

Councillor Stephen Hocknell, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and healthier communities, said: “A significant amount of hard work has gone into the restoration of People’s Park which has led to a number of considerable improvements.

“We hope that residents of the borough will be encouraged by the enhancements we are continuously making to the parks and green spaces of North East Lincolnshire and that they will take the time to appreciate their environment, spend time with their families and encourage exercise in the great outdoors.”

The event is by invitation only and a guided tour of the park will take place at 10.30am followed by buffet lunch and drinks in the new pavilion.