Memorial Park £300,000 Transformation Plans
Memorial Park in Great Harwood Set for Transformation with Heritage Lottery Fund and Levelling Up Parks Fund Grants
A significant revitalisation project is on the horizon for Memorial Park, Great Harwood, thanks to generous grants totalling over £300,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Central Government’s Levelling Up Parks Fund and the Lancashire Environmental Fund.
In close collaboration with Proffits CIC, Hyndburn Borough Council Parks Department, the Friends of Memorial Park, and the Royal British Legion, these improvements have been carefully designed to honour the park’s historical significance and provide a tranquil setting for remembrance.
Cllr Steven Smithson, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services (pictured above), said:
“It is wonderful to see funding allocated to the development of Memorial Park – I am certain that residents will see the existing space enhanced to create a space ideal for reflection around the war memorial that reflects the needs and wants of the community. It is important, not just that we provide green spaces for residents, but that these are tailored to suit the needs of the local residents and we are keen to shape these spaces to create an accessible space for all to enjoy.”
The upcoming works will encompass several key elements, including the resurfacing of pathways and the reconstruction of existing stone walls in the formal garden area surrounding the war memorial. These enhancements aim to create an inviting and accessible environment for all park visitors.
Future plans for Memorial Park include the refurbishment of the war memorial, a central and cherished feature within the park. Sensory planting will be introduced to further enhance the memorial’s surroundings, fostering a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
The initial infrastructure improvements are scheduled for completion ahead of the annual remembrance service held in the park every November. Additional enhancements are also in the pipeline for later in the year, promising an even more appealing and functional space for the community to enjoy.
Furthermore, Memorial Park is part of a broader investment initiative set to unfold later this year and into early 2024. This comprehensive project aims to elevate the entire park experience, and it will be complemented by a series of engaging activities involving St Bartholomew’s Primary School and local volunteers. These activities will include local history research, biodiversity exploration, and other enriching experiences designed to connect the community with their park and heritage.
The generous support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lancashire Environmental Fund, and the Government’s Levelling Up Parks Fund is a testament to the commitment to preserving and improving green spaces for the benefit of all. Memorial Park is poised to become a cherished oasis of remembrance, learning, and recreation for generations to come.