The National Lottery this week unveiled a crucial cash boost for Telford town park which will help open the doors to a huge funding bid as well as safeguard its future.
The borough council is getting £162,000 to press ahead with plans for new heritage and ecology trails, picnic areas and viewing platforms to help the public enjoy the park.
John Taylor, head of Big Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “There are some fantastic improvements being planned for this park and we’re pleased to be able to play a part in preserving its future.”
The Stage 1 development grant has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and will enable the council to work up plans for its Stage 2 application for £2.1 million.
Anne Jenkins, head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “The UK’s parks are wonderful places that in many cases need a helping hand to help return them to their former glory.
“This will do just that, and enable local communities to see, enjoy and experience the hidden gems of Telford Town Park.”
Councillor Stephen Bentley, cabinet member for environment, said he was delighted that the council had secured this first chunk of lottery cash.
“This means means we can move ahead with our plans to develop the park,” he said.“These include new heritage and ecology trails, picnic areas and viewing platforms.
“All these activities will really help enhance the park for generations to come and demonstrate the council’s commitment to preserve this wonderful asset in the heart of the borough.”
Telford & Wrekin Council’s overall £3.7 million proposals for the town park follow a big public consultation process.
It is Telford’s biggest, and most popular, leisure area and its supporters jealously guard its future.
People generally have been in favour of the council’s plans, although many people have called for the park to be left in its current “wild” state.
The site is closely linked with the industrial revolution and the regeneration plans aim to link the historic and ecological heritage to provide interesting features for visitors.