Cloister gardens restoration complete

Restoration of the cloister gardens at Gorton Monastery, east Manchester, is now complete.

The gardens were officially reopened by David Wilson OBE DL, recently-retired Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, who is a long-time patron of the Gorton Monastery Trust.

The reopening ceremony was followed by a retirement celebration dinner in The Monastery, where 120 members of the Lieutenancy, led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, paid tribute to David and his commitment to Greater Manchester and in particular to east Manchester.

The gardens were restored to their former glory by students from Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT) along with offenders doing unpaid work as part of their community service ordered by the courts.

Paul Griffiths, Chairman of the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, said: "They did remarkably skilful job of recreating the tranquil Franciscan Gardens. It is wonderful to see the gardens returned to their former glory and we are very grateful to everyone whose efforts have made it possible."

Restoration of the gardens follows the £6 million restoration of The Monastery itself, which is listed Grade II * for its historical and architectural importance.

The restoration was supported by New East Manchester, the urban regeneration company transforming east Manchester, and was funded by major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund, English Heritage, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Architectural Heritage Fund.

For more information on Gorton Monastery or to book the venue or a tour call 0161 223 3211 or visit www.themonastery.co.uk

For further information on New East Manchester visit www.neweastmanchester.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Martin Hellewell at New East Manchester on 0161 223 1155