TOWN Hall bosses at Warrington have approved a £1.3 million “vision” to restore historic Bank Park as a major attraction in the town centre.
It involves restoration of the park’s bowling greens, a new bowls pavilion, a café and re-establishment of footpaths – including lighting.
A new car park will be provided and the existing toilets will be restored.
In a report to the borough council’s executive board, Cllr Kate Hannon, executive member for leisure, community and culture, says the park – which has the Town Hall within it – is one of the key major parks in Warrington.
But it has become “tired”, with key areas having fallen into disrepair.
The report adds: “The condition of the park with the lack of investment over the years has had a negative impact on the public’s perception and for visitors from outside Warrington attending the Town Hall.”
Some improvement work was carried out in the park prior to the Olympic Flame visiting Warrington in May last year.
This included access improvements, reinstatement of entrance pillars and gates, tree management and wildflower displays
Indicative costings for work to be carried out include £510,000 for demolition and construction of a new bowls pavilion and café, £40,000 for restoration of the bowling greens, £250,000 for a new car park and £100,000 for restoration of the old toilets.
A formal grassed area for holding special events, including funfairs, is proposed.
But all projects will be subject to obtaining planning approval as the park is in a conservation area.
The park as it is today was created in 1873, but over the years has lost many of its original features including a bandstand, fishing lake, fountain and tennis courts.
But in fact a park existed on the site much earlier.
Warrington Cricket Club played its early matches there from 1852 and Lancashire Cricket Club’s first-ever match – against Birkenhead Park and the Gentlemen of Cheshire – is said to have been played there..
Picture: Bank Park as it is today.
8 Comments
Spending the money on pothole repair would be preferable.
You do get tired saying the same things to people on here – YOU CAN’T USE CAPITAL MONEY FOR REVENUE BUDGETS, IT IS AGAINST THE LAW!
Then the budgets need to be set so that the Labour junta can spend more on what needs spending in – not just what buys them headlines. THEY ARE NOT HANDED DOWN FROM A MOUNTAIN-TOP BY SOME DIVINE BEING – SOMEONE SETS THEM!
GIVE IT A REST PLEASE
This facility is for making comments – I commented, what is the problem – are you a member of the Labour junta and just don’t like being criticised?
Totally agree guardian, but then again like the old sayimg goes’Its nouse knocking if nobodies in’
But all projects will be subject to obtaining planning approval as the park is in a conservation area???? what about the green house!!!! or the Mullberry tree???? Historic yet sold off the land for office blocks to be built???? can we have our old bowling green carpark back???? or public carpark was this till the council decided to lock it up.
Can we be sure the costly improvements and upgrading will be maintained and not left to go to rack and ruin like the original pavillion etc? This council has a very poor record when it comes to the management and maintenance of assets towards which council tax payers have contributed over the years.