What is the Holywells Park Heritage Lottery Project?
Ipswich Borough Council received a grant of £2.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) for the Holywells "Parks for People" restoration project in July 2012.
The Council submitted the "Parks for People" bid to regenerate one of the town's hidden gems to conserve and enhance the Park's unique heritage as well as provide more attractions for visitors.
The HLF grant was supplemented by funding from the Friends of Holywells Park and by the Borough Council.
Improvements made possible by the grant
Among the improvements made possible by the grant was the renovation of the Stable Block, converting it into a vibrant visitor centre and café with an education area and function room. The conservatory has been refurbished and turned into a multi-function area that can be used for exhibitions, talks, meetings, functions, etc. The existing walled garden now has a performance area that is being used for small scale theatre, dance, school and community groups. A new toilet facility and kiosk selling light refreshments is now provided adjacent to the play area.
Other areas of the park that have been improved are:
- facilities in the leaf yard for park staff and volunteers
- entrances improved and made more welcoming
- new and refurbished footpaths around the park, allowing greater accessibility
- new CCTV providing greater security
- new benches and seating
- interpretation panels of the parks heritage and environmental features
- a new Trim Trail and I-play equipment aimed at teenagers.
The funding will also enable a series of events and activities to take place within the park that will encourage its increased use by a wider and more diverse audience.
Lottery bid documents
The following downloadable documents were submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the Holywells Park 'Parks for People' bid:
- Activity Plan (PDF)
- Visual Aids (PDF)
- Master Plan (PDF)
- 10 year Management and Maintenance Plan (PDF)
- Conservation Management Plan (PDF)
Travel Plan
A Holywells Park Travel Plan document has been produced in response to the development of the park to ensure that the park is accessible to as many people as possible.
Final Evaluation Report
The Final Evaulation Report documents the improvements made possible at Holywells Park due to the award from Heritage Lottery Fund.