Open day gives glimpse of big park plans

An open day on Saturday 5 March will give people a chance to learn more about exciting plans to improve Alexandra Park in Whalley Range.

Manchester City Council is bidding for £2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to help restore the park to its original Victorian glory.
It has also put in a £1.25 million bid with Sport England for new sports facilities, including six new tennis courts, football, cricket and lacrosse pitches and two softball diamonds.

Visitors to the park will get a chance to view these plans in more detail and share their views on the project during the open day at the Children's Centre in Alexandra Park.

The event runs from 11am to 3pm and will allow people the chance to talk to designers involved in the project, along with Manchester City Council staff.

People who show up will also be able to take part in short tours around the park, while there will also be art activities put on to keep families entertained and refreshments provided.

The community's involvment in the regeneration of the park is vital to the success of the bid and at the event people will be able to share their ideas to drive it forward, as well as talk about their memories of the historic site.

As part of work on the regeneration project, a People's Panel has been set up to allow the public to comment on the proposals. So far around 100 people have an expressed an interest in getting involved.

Looking forward to the open day, Cllr Rosa Battle, Assistant Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to have an input in helping to transform Alexandra Park - a community site with a rich history. The open day will provide a chance for people to learn about these exciting plans for its future."

For further information about the open day, or regeneration project itself call (0161) 227 3936. Alternatively email alex.park@manchester.gov.uk or visit www.manchester.gov.uk/alexandrapark