Mesnes Park Restoration Project

Mesnes Park Restoration Project has secured £6.1 million through two successful applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund towards a Phase 1 and 2 restoration scheme.

Indicative Project Programme - Phase 2

Entrance Lodge & Training Centre: April 2012 - March 2013
Bowling Pavilion: Work due to commence in 2012
Powell Monument: April 2012 - September 2012
Pulham Rockwork: April 2012 - November 2012
Coalbrookdale Fountain: April 2012 - December 2012

Work already completed on site includes:

Newly refurbished and restored Pavilion including an enhanced café facility across the ground and first floor alongside seating on a newly raised terrace.
Full restoration of the bandstand including introduction of a dedicated power supply for future events.
Repair and restoration of the Dalton Steps including the re-introduction if the missing urns.
A brand new play area (funded by Big Lottery).
Conversion of the Playshack into a flexible space for Activities alongside a satellite facility for summer periods.
Restoration of the Shelter building.
The installation of brand new site services (water, gas, electricity) throughout the park.

Funding has been secured for the following capital works in Phase 1:

Restoration of the pavilion including an enhanced café facility across the ground and first floor alongside seating on a newly raised terrace.
Full restoration of the bandstand including introduction of a dedicated power supply for future events.
Repair and restoration of the Dalton Steps including the re-introduction if the missing urns.
Repair and restoration of the Shelter.
Repair of surfacing and footpaths around Pavilion, Bandstand and Dalton Steps.
A new build training centre as an extension to Entrance Lodge.
Interpretation Signage around the key park features to promote the history and story of the park.

Funding has been secured for the following capital works in Phase 2:

Restoration of Entrance Lodge and brand new training centre.
Repair and restoration to the Bowling Pavilion.
Restoration and of the Sir Francis Sharpe Powell monument.
Restoration of the Pulham rockwork.
Re-introduction of the Coalbrookdale fountain.
Restoration and improvement to the main entrance and restoration of all other entrances.
Repair and restoration of the remaining footpaths.
Introduction of lighting along key routes.
Introduction of new signage, bins and benches.

In addition, funding from the HLF has been secured for the following activity based elements:

An enhanced soft and hand landscape maintenance programme
A dedicated marketing plan to develop and promote the park
A volunteer and training plan to develop and promote volunteering and training opportunities within the park.

Community Information Officers

Wigan Leisure Culture Trust has been successful in a bid to the Reaching Community Fund to fund two Community Information Officers (CIO’S). The CIO’s are based in the park and act as a point of contact for members of the public and visitors to the park. They collect information on park users and volunteer groups who use the park.

The addition of the two CIO's increases site presence of staff on site and ensure staff are on hand to provide information on the restoration project.

Mesnes park

Lodge Scaffolding
In order to carry out essential survey work and to safeguard the future of the Entrance Lodge, Wigan Council have approved funding to erect scaffolding around, above and within the building. Scaffolding will therefore be in place until restoration works commence in April 2012.

Patron Scheme
Of the £7.8M required to complete the restoration of Mesnes Park, over £6.1M has now been pledged, this is thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding, Wigan Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and support from The Friends of Mesnes Park. This is an outstanding achievement, but to deliver on our vision for Mesnes Park we need a further £1.6M.

Donation Amount: £500

This is a small donations scheme that targets individuals and local businesses and encourages them to assist us with our restoration efforts and ‘Make Your Mark on the Park’. A donation of £500 will make a real difference. 100% of your donation will go into the project fund to be spent on conservation and restoration works.

The Benefits to Patrons

All Patrons will be recognised with their name and message on a Patrons Plaque, which will be located within the Park. Names and message will feature on the website. Patrons will have will be invited to an official opening event following the restoration of the Park and receive regular newsletters on the progress of the Mesnes Park Restoration Scheme along with information and invitations to Park events and activities.

The greatest reward comes from knowing that you have contributed to the restoration of one of the region’s premier Victorian Parks.

Fredericks
Fredericks café is now back in their original home – the fantastic fully restored Pavilion. The newly restored Pavilion offers modern enhanced café facility across the ground and first floor alongside seating on a newly raised terrace.
Why not come along and visit Frederick’s and enjoy their great range of fair trade coffee’s, snacks and famous Ice cream all to eat in or takeaway.

Friends of Mesnes Park
The Friends of Mesnes Park are an important partner in the Restoration Project. They are currently recruiting new members. If you would like to be involved in the future of Mesnes Park contact Sue Turner (secretary) on 01942 247161.

Contact Details
For further information about the Mesnes Park Restoration Project and day to day management of the park contact Joanne Ramdewor (Mesnes Park Officer) on 01942 486900 or email j.ramdewor@wlct.org

Additionally, for information on events and activities contact the park directly on 01942 245369.