Alexandra Park celebrates £2.2 million lottery win

It is celebration time for a historic Manchester park with the announcement that it will receive a £2.2 million windfall from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).

The money from the Funds' joint Parks for People programme will be used to restore Alexandra Park in Whalley Range to its former Victorian glory while providing community facilities and access fit for the 21st Century.

When Alexandra Park opened to the public in 1870 it was innovative in its use of oval shaped and curved pathways and the introduction of sporting activity into an ornamental park.

The park will now see physical improvements relating to its original design. The Pavilion will be restored and extended, becoming a hub of community activity, the back of the Pavilion will also be opened up to overlook the lake. Chorlton Lodge will also be restored creating offices for park staff as well as community space.

Footpaths and the oval lawns in the park will be reinstated where the original designs have been lost and historic features, such as the water fountain and flagstaff, will be reintroduced. 

The regeneration of the park will also give the local community the opportunity to become more involved, giving them the chance to learn more about its heritage and how they can help look after the park.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure said, "Today's announcement is the culmination of years of hard work by the community and the council working together. Our proposals were shaped by a People's Panel and public support was crucial in the success of the bid. This funding, even more welcome in the current difficult financial climate, will allow us to transform Alexandra Park into one of the region's finest outdoor spaces.
 
"This is a landmark in the park's 140 year history ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations to come and is a wonderful Christmas present for the local community" 

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said on behalf of the two Lottery distributors, "This project will revitalise the much-loved Alexandra Park, restoring important historic elements and providing new facilities for visitors to enjoy. By working with local people, who have been instrumental in drawing plans together, the scheme will ensure that community is directly involved in transforming their park. We are lucky to have so many public parks within easy reach across the North West, especially in urban areas where they make such a difference to our daily lives"

Paul Benson-Hannam, chair of the Friends of Alexandra Park, said, "This is fantastic news and the result of nearly ten year's hard work by the council and friends group. This will make a huge difference to the local area and all the communities that surround it."