- Area:
- East Midlands
- Programme:
- Parks for People
- Release date:
- 15 4 2009
Nottingham’s Forest Recreation Ground has been given the go ahead to start exciting new regeneration plans after receiving a £181,500 grant, announced today.
The development funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) Parks for People programme signals the green light for Nottingham City Council to kick-start the development of their £3,198,000 scheme (66% of project costs)*.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Councillor responsible for Parks and Open Spaces said: “This is fantastic news and brings us a step closer to achieving our long term ambition of restoring the Forest to its former glory. The process up to this point has been a huge team effort and thanks must go to everyone who has worked tremendously hard to get us this far. We will continue to work towards delivering our vision which will bring huge benefits to the local community and Nottingham as a whole.”
Ruth Greenberg, Chief Officer of the Partnership Council, the local charity who spearheaded the Forest development project says: “It's absolutely fantastic news that the funding bid has been successful. The project represents five years hard work to raise the money to rejuvenate the Forest, whilst providing a green, open space full of resources for the whole community. More than anything, the success of the bid is down to local people who have taken part in the project, from volunteers who have worked to improve the site in the past, to all those who have played a part in developing the Masterplan - the vision for a new look Forest, which is a step closer to becoming reality."
June Perry, speaking on behalf of the Friends of the Forest, said: “We are delighted that the efforts of so many individuals, groups and council officers have resulted in this magnificent award from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. This park is truly worthy of recognition for its heritage, and its position in an area of dense population means that there are many on its doorstep who will benefit, and as a Destination Park visitors from right across the city will enjoy it.”
Joan Toovey, Interim Chief Executive of Neighbourhood Development Company added: “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund has recognised the importance of the Forest Ground and agreed funding for its development, and we are very pleased to be a partner in this important project for the NDC area and Nottingham as a whole. The project is fantastic news for residents of the local area who will benefit from the restoration of this important park and the new facilities that this will make available to them.”
Nurturing Nottingham’s Forest Recreation Ground
The park was originally influenced by Sir Joseph Paxton, the highly esteemed Victorian gardener, and when it was created it was a perfect example of a beautiful Victorian park conceived for outdoor recreation. The popular public park has played an important role in city life and is used for a variety of activities including sports, events and recreation. The park consists of two main areas, the southern tree covered slopes with tree lined walks have a very ‘Victorian’ feel, and the flat ground in the North which has previously been home to a cricket ground and a racecourse which was thought to be the best in the country in the 18th Century. Nottingham Forest Football Club also conceived their name from the ground and it was here that the club first played after its formation in 1865.
Today the park is used for regular social events and festivals such as Nottingham’s Goose Fair, football matches, the Afro Caribbean Carnival and the Asian Mela Festivals. The redevelopment works will include a new and improved pavilion with a rejuvenated café, new play equipment, better lighting and CCTV and new toilets. These changes will bring the park back up to speed and make the space more user friendly, safer and more accessible for the surrounding community.
Emma Sayer, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund, East Midlands said: “Nottingham’s open spaces play such an important role as havens from the bustle of daily life, and we are thrilled to help restore and open up grounds for as many people as possible to enjoy. It would be a shame to see The Forest deteriorate further but with money from HLF and BIG we can bring the park back to its former glory.”
Mick McGrath, Head of Region, Big Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: “Today’s funding is a tremendous starting point for plans to transform Forest Recreation Ground into a space that can be cherished by the community. Time takes it toll on the condition of our parks, which need constant care and upkeep, so we’re pleased to be able to back these exciting regeneration plans.”
Further information
Roland Smith at the Heritage Lottery Fund on 0207 591 6047
Email:rolands@hlf.org.uk
Helen Harch at the Big Lottery Fund on 020 7211 3707
Email: helen.harch@biglotteryfund.org.uk
Out of hours: 07867 500 572
Notes to Editors
- * The Parks for People programme has a two-stage or two-round application process. At the first stage or round, an organisation can apply for a development grant to contribute to the costs of developing the project for a second stage or round application. The full grant is only awarded if the second stage or round application is successful.
- ** The 13 parks awarded a Stage One Pass with development funding are:
- Cedars Park, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire (£173,000)
- Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham (£181,500)
- Horniman Gardens, Lewisham, London (£71,500)
- Memorial Park, Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire (£24,300)
- Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, London (£295,500)
- The Green, Silloth-on-Solway, Cumbria (£106,000)
- Kings Gardens, Southport (£240,000)
- Telford Town Park, Shropshire (£162,000)
- Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent (£124,500)
- Brinkburn Dene's, Darlington, County Durham (£45,200)
- Duthie Park, Aberdeen (£71,500)
- Cambuslang Park, South Lanarkshire (£22,700)
- Brooke Park, Londonderry/Derry (£94,000)
The Parks for People programme uses Lottery funds to support the regeneration, conservation and increased enjoyment of public parks. The programme aims to improve the local environment and put parks firmly back at the heart of community life. In England two Lottery Funds have been working in partnership (2006-2009) to deliver a multi-million pound investment in public parks of £150million. Over the three years the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) is investing up to £80million (in England only) with £70million coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the UK.
Every completed park project will be expected to achieve the annual prestigious Green Flag Award and in doing so demonstrate quality standards of care and upkeep.
HLF will continue to fund public park projects with an approved investment of some £20million each year from 2009. The next closing date for applications is 31 August 2009. See www.hlf.org.uk for details.
Parks for People programme grants range from £250,000 to £5million with two rounds of funding each year.
Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 28,800 projects, allocating over £4.3billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
HLF has already invested more than £400million in 300 historic public parks, gardens, squares and promenades right across the UK.
Big Lottery Fund
BIG has invested more than £700million on environmental initiatives to date. For more information, visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
BIG rolls out close to £2million in Lottery good cause money every 24 hours, which together with other Lottery distributors means that across the UK most people are within a few miles of a Lottery-funded project. The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004.
Good Causes
Out of every pound spent on a National Lottery ticket, 28p goes directly to good causes. BIG is responsible for distributing half of the money to improve communities and the lives of people most in need. HLF distributes 16.67% of the money to heritage projects across the UK. There are 12 other organisations responsible for distributing lottery money to good causes. www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
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