Published Wednesday 24 March 2021 at 16:52
A masterplan for the makeover of one of Lancashire’s most historic parks has been unveiled.
Whitehall Park in Darwen is set to receive a transformation after Whitehall Park Supporters Group commissioned Newground Landscape Services to redesign the 16-acre Grade II listed site.
Blackburn with Darwen Executive Member for Environmental Services, Councillor Jim Smith, said:
This is fantastic news for residents and families who enjoy Whitehall Park. Lockdown has shown us how important our green spaces are and these plans will enable families to be more active. Better health is linked to more activity, and BwD is committed to enabling everyday walking and cycling across the borough.
The plans reveal a big focus on health and wellbeing with the creation of an agile area for all ages with a green gym, the potential for climbing such as a rock stack and a bike track, as well as improvements to the existing play area.
Work will also include a forest school space, which will provide an opportunity for outdoor learning with additional seating spaces using logs and other natural materials such as willow and brash. A new art trail will incorporate the existing water and woodland features of the park.
Biodiversity projects will include woodland enhancements, pond enhancements and the introduction of a community orchard, as well as a growing area made from a converted shipping container.
Funding is now being sought to deliver the project.
Marjan Wouda, Chair of the Whitehall Park Supporters Group, said: “Newground have previously designed masterplans for Stubbylee Park in Rossendale, Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle, Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall and Edgeside Park in Waterfoot.
Steve Greenwood, Newground’s Landscape & Estate Services Director, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has reminded us why the parks and gardens on our doorsteps are so important to ordinary people. Lockdown has rekindled our love of green spaces and made more people are aware of the health and wellbeing benefits that access to green spaces delivers. The chance to get out in the fresh air and exercise has been a lifeline in difficult times. This masterplan outlines significant improvements to enhance the park’s facilities and safeguard its value as a community resource for the future.”
