Work to start on park’s revamp

WORK is set to start on restoring the parklands at Shaw’s Lottery-winning Dunwood Park.

After Oldham Council carried out a tendering process, contractors Casey Group will be on-site setting up equipment tomorrow with work set to begin on Friday

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

Work has already started refurbishing the Bowls Pavilion and the ‘Gardeners Bothy’ at the Shaw beauty spot and once completed they will form community rooms and public toilets.

Elaine McLean, Oldham Council’s Executive Director for Economy, Place and Skills, said: “The start of work refurbishing the parklands is another exciting phase in the restoration of Dunwood Park.

“For the next 18 months visitors to the park will see a great amount of work being carried out and this is bound to cause some disruption.

“But I hope the community will bear with us as we will deliver a fantastic park in time for the centenary celebration next year.”

Built in 1912, Dunwood Park combines urban and countryside features.

It is being extensively rebuilt with modern facilities while retaining its original character and features.

The physical works, however, are only part of the overall project, which has involved the local community — including the Friends of Dunwood Park group — at every stage to an extent not seen before in a capital scheme.

It will provide opportunities for education, training, and activities associated with the planning, design, construction and subsequent management.

The Heritage Lottery Fund will provide £1,093,618 towards the scheme, following a successful bid, and Oldham Council is providing £270,000.