PARK life in Wigan just got a lot more personal!
Over the next few years millions of pounds will be spent transforming and rejuvenating Mesnes Park.
And to make sure everyone walking through the park knows what’s happening and when, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) has appointed two community information officers.
Rachael Sixsmith and Andy Wedge will be on hand to answer questions from the public about the Mesnes Park restoration scheme and promote events held in Mesnes and other parks managed by the Trust as part of a new visitor information service.
Rachael:
"I am delighted to be involved in the Mesnes Park Restoration Project.
“I grew up across the road from the park, and spent all my childhood there - it is a place that is very close to my heart.
“The plans for Mesnes Park are so exciting - it will be fantastic to see the park restored to its former glory.
“I'm looking forward to meeting all the people from Wigan and beyond that use and visit the park - I love a good chat!”
Andy added:
"I remember spending many days in Mesnes Park as a youngster and when this job opportunity arose I jumped at the chance.
“As I have a son myself now I am thrilled that he will be able to see the park develop over the coming years and benefit from its regeneration.”
Scaffolding has been erected around the lodge marking the first visible signs of the start of the restoration project.
A Phase One planning application to restore the pavilion, bandstand, shelter, Dalton Steps and core footpaths has been submitted and a decision by Wigan Council’s planning committee is expected by the end of the month.
In 2007 the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund awarded a grant of £1.8m to transform and regenerate the park. Match-funding from Wigan Council, WLCT and Fredericks Ice Cream saw the total investment planned for Phase One reach £3.4m.
In October 2008 Wigan Council, in partnership with WLCT, was awarded a development grant of £12,000 to move forward with Phase Two of the much loved park’s restoration.
This latest grant announcement forms the basis for a further £3.1m investment. Phase Two part of the project will see the entrance lodge fully restored and used to support community activities. The main entrance, pillars, gates, railings and footpaths will also be restored and a sports zone created including a new crazy golf course, multi-use games area, refurbished tennis courts and extreme sports zone.
Community and technical consultation is currently taking place regarding the location of the park’s maintenance depot and a new training centre and a small number of associated car parking spaces.
There are nine potential scenarios currently being consulted upon.
For more information about the Mesnes Park Masterplan visit www.wlct.org
Mesnes Park Consultation
From Friday visitors to Mesnes Park can have their say over three sections of the Masterplan.
Following concerns raised by local residents regarding the siting of an existing depot, new education/training centre and seven disabled car parking spaces Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) has produced nine different options for these sections of the project.
Throughout the week WLCT has been meeting with key stakeholders and residents groups to hear their views and now they want to hear yours.
Detailed plans and consultation forms will be available in the pavilion café for five days starting this Friday.
The nine options for the education/training centre, depot and parking facilities are:
- Training Centre: a) New training centre built at the rear of the lodge b) Extending the lodge to house the training centre.
- New training centre to be built adjacent to Park Road
- Cark Park adjacent to Park Road
- Designated car parking on Mesnes Park Terrace
- Depot adjacent to Park Road
- Depot to remain in existing location
- Combined Depot, Training Centre, Car Park adjacent to Park Road
- Combined training centre and car park adjacent to Park Road
- Combined depot and car park adjacent to Park Road
Andy Bond, parks regeneration manager, said:
“We are committed to re-evaluating these sections of the masterplan through a community and technical consultation.
“We’d urge everyone to go along and take a look at the plans and fill in the consultation.
Options appraisal plans will be displayed upstairs in the café on the following dates/times:
- Friday 22 May: 12:30am - 15:30pm
- Saturday 23 May: 12:30am - 15:30pm
- Monday 25 May (Bank Hol): 10:00am - 16:00pm
- Tuesday 26 May: 12:30am - 15:30pm
- Wednesday 27 May: 12:30am - 15:30pm
