Lottery bid to renovate park

£270,000 will revive Dunwood

SHAW’S Dunwood Park could get a £270,000 makeover if a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid is successful.

Cabinet members will debate the proposal at their next meeting on Wednesday.

The improvements will form part of a £1.8 million Parks For People bid submitted by the council to the HLF.

Built in 1912, the green space is an attractive riverside location which combines urban and countryside features but it is now showing its age and is in need of restoration.

If the HLF bid is successful the park will be modernised while retaining the character and familiar features of the original.

Existing attractions, such as the bowling green, pavilion, play area, tennis courts, parking areas, gardens and woodland walks will be refurbished while new features will include a community meeting room, extra toilets and adventure play facilities.

The Friends of Dunwood Park and members of the local community have been involved at every stage of the bid and planning process.

The new-look park will provide opportunities for education, training and activities associated with the planning, design, construction and subsequent management of the facility.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “If the HLF bid and the council’s funding is approved the money will provide an attractive and safe park for all members of the community, with improved provision for young people.

“The project is ground-breaking in terms of community involvement at all stages and levels and will establish a benchmark in listening to what residents want and then putting the ideas into practice.

“This project will give Shaw and Crompton a quality park the equal of any in the country.”

A decision on the HLF bid is expected in April.