- Area:
- East of England
- Programme:
- Parks for People
- Release date:
- 15 4 2009
As spring arrives, Cedars Park is on track for a major transformation thanks to Lottery funding announced today. The award of £173,300 signals the green light to develop plans for the regeneration of the park.
The development funding for Broxbourne Council to kick-start their scheme comes from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Parks for People’ initiative*.
Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England said: “This exciting news is the green light for plans to make some important improvements to Cedars Park. This green space is a wonderful resource that provides a special place for people to go and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is vital that we take care of and appreciate these precious places, which is why ‘Parks for People’ can make a real difference.”
Sara Betsworth, Big Lottery Fund Head of the East of England region said: “Today’s funding is a tremendous starting point for plans to transform Cedars Park into a community space that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. 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.”
Cedars Park, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
Cedars Park occupies the site of Theobalds Palace which played a significant role in the history of the nation between 1560 and 1650. The palace was built for Sir William Cecil and Elizabeth I stayed there often. The park is seen as the borough’s ‘flagship’ park and is an important green space in the area. Over the years the park has played host to many events such as storytelling, art fairs, historical walks and music events.
The project will improve the interpretation of the park’s history and develop the park’s community use and access. Major landscaping will be carried out in order to open up historic views and recreate the historic planting that was once in place. The café will be upgraded and pedestrian routes will be made easier to use in the hope that this will draw in a larger audience who will be able to appreciate this wonderful park.
The park already benefits from ‘The friends of Cedars Park’ group, who meet two or three times a year, and play an active role in the development of the park and provide valuable feedback concerning park management. The council encourages visitors to play a role in the rejuvenation of the park by inviting them to take part in consultations on improvements. This creates opportunities for the local community to get involved and creates new learning experiences for all who take part.
Leader of Broxbourne Council, Councillor Ken Ayling commented that:‘The Borough of Broxbourne is delighted to be invited by the Heritage and the Big Lottery’s Funds to submit a funding bid to refurbish Cedars Park. Around 200,000 people a year visit Cedars Park and partnership funding will present an opportunity to consider extending the range of facilities within the park and prepare for the next stages in the life of one of the jewels within the Borough.’
Further Information
For further information, please contact Roland Smith, Heritage Lottery Fund on : 0207 591 6047
Email: rolands@hlf.org.uk
Helen Harch, Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 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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