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£3.2 milllion funding joy for Roberts Park renewal
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| Councillor Anne Hawkesworth in front of the statue of Sir Titus Salt in Roberts Park |
The vision to restore Saltaire's Robert Park to its former glory is set to become a reality thanks to a £3.2 million funding boost.
In a move which would surely have been given the nod by the park's visionary creator, Sir Titus Salt, the money has been pledged by The Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Parks for People Programme.
Today, Bradford Council was celebrating the award, which will make up the rest of the project's total £4.5 million price tag.
Lost features of the park, such as the bandstand, will be re-instated, while the three Grade II listed shelters, Half Moon Pavilion and East Park lodge, will be refurbished and a new play area introduced.
And the statue of the man who made it all possible, Saltaire World Heritage Site creator Sir Titus Salt, will also be given a make-over.
Supporters of the initiative, including the Friends of Roberts Park, have waited six years for the good news.
Sharon Ashton, chairman of the Friends of Roberts Park, said: "We are over the moon.
"We have been waiting so long - it's just going to be so fantastic to see something happening rather than the way it has been over the past few years where we have been treading water."
She said the developments in the park should also have a knock-on effect for the rest of the village.
She said: "It's great for local businesses and will link the park back to the village.
"Hopefully when it's finished its going to be a draw in itself - it's got to be good for the hall and the tramway and Shipley Glen."
Ward Councillor and Bradford Council Green Party leader, Martin Love, said he was "delighted".
He said: "This will make a great difference to Saltaire, to tourists and for the people who live there. It will give people a park they can be proud of."
Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Environment and Culture, said she was "thrilled".
She said: "This funding is a real boost and I am sure that local people will be delighted and will look forward to seeing the end results.
"I would like to pay tribute to the residents, Friends of Roberts Park and local Saltaire groups who have worked very hard with us to develop these proposals and make it a success."
Jane Glaister, Bradford Council's strategic director for culture, tourism and sport, said: "Roberts Park is a very important historic park that will really benefit from this work."
Next month, a design workshop is to be held to look at designs for the new bandstand.
e-mail: mel.fairhurst
@telegraphandargus.co.uk
4:55am Wednesday 7th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: albion, west riding on 6:23am Wed 7 May 08
Good news, at least for a while, but as the report says "its former glory" lets hope it doesnt revert back to its less than glorious state. Will the refurbishments prevent the burglary, arson, and vandalism of the past? lets hope not.
Good news, at least for a while, but as the report says "its former glory" lets hope it doesnt revert back to its less than glorious state. Will the refurbishments prevent the burglary, arson, and vandalism of the past? lets hope not.
Posted by: albion, west riding on 6:24am Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]albion[/bold] wrote:
Good news, at least for a while, but as the report says "its former glory" lets hope it doesnt revert back to its less than glorious state. Will the refurbishments prevent the burglary, arson, and vandalism of the past? lets hope not.[/quote] Sorry, it should read "lets hope SO".
albion wrote:
Good news, at least for a while, but as the report says "its former glory" lets hope it doesnt revert back to its less than glorious state. Will the refurbishments prevent the burglary, arson, and vandalism of the past? lets hope not.
Sorry, it should read "lets hope SO".
Posted by: smiffy, Haworth on 1:30pm Wed 7 May 08
Well done Bradford, lets stop knocking and support things like this.
This is tremendous news for the locals and tourists who can only benefit from such regeneration of the park and the Aire Valley in general.
More of the same please.
Well done Bradford, lets stop knocking and support things like this.
This is tremendous news for the locals and tourists who can only benefit from such regeneration of the park and the Aire Valley in general.
More of the same please.
Posted by: Yorkie Al, Bradford on 2:31pm Wed 7 May 08
This is brilliant news for Saltaire. I hope that improved lighting can be installed across the bridge from the village. The lack of lighting on the bridge makes the crossing feel un-safe in the dark hours.
This is brilliant news for Saltaire. I hope that improved lighting can be installed across the bridge from the village. The lack of lighting on the bridge makes the crossing feel un-safe in the dark hours.
Posted by: John, Glenaire on 5:38pm Wed 7 May 08
As a local resident I am delighted about the award of the Grant but wish to pay a tribute to the "unsung heroes" of Saltaire Cricket Club. For years they have kept Roberts Park tidy, picking up litter, broken glass and dog dirt day in day out. Three years ago they refurbished half of the Half Moon and brought new life back into the Park and provided the only working toilet (free) outside Saltaire village. I am always given a friendly welcome when I call in for a cup of tea on a Saturday or Sunday. Well done to you all. I, for one, salute you.
As a local resident I am delighted about the award of the Grant but wish to pay a tribute to the "unsung heroes" of Saltaire Cricket Club. For years they have kept Roberts Park tidy, picking up litter, broken glass and dog dirt day in day out. Three years ago they refurbished half of the Half Moon and brought new life back into the Park and provided the only working toilet (free) outside Saltaire village. I am always given a friendly welcome when I call in for a cup of tea on a Saturday or Sunday. Well done to you all. I, for one, salute you.
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