A tender process will begin in the coming months to find an operator interested in bringing a tree-top attraction to Heaton Park – helping to enhance the existing park attractions and complement the long-term improvements currently taking place.
Discussions with the Forestry Commission and others have encouraged the city council to explore a tree-based aerial adventure, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Heaton’s woodland and explore the park in a new way.
An initial feasibility study has already indicated that an attraction of this type would only cover a few acres of woodland within the 640 acre park and would not impede on how other users enjoy the park.
Any income generated would be reinvested in future improvement works in the park.
Any proposals would be subject to planning permission – including a site specific biodiversity study – and assessment of associated visitor service needs, including parking.
Major investment in the last year has allowed some welcome improvements at Heaton Park alongside developing a long-term vision for the park to improve the range of activities and ensure better access to the historic buildings, including Heaton Hall.
The council, along with Historic England has also funded significant refurbishments of Heaton Hall beginning with the roof and security works last year and more recently vital works to re-glaze and refurbish heritage windows, as well as necessary masonry work
The Friends of the Hall recently hosted tours of the Hall as part of Heritage Open days and will begin regular monthly openings in April.
Clean City funding – allocated in part to Heaton Park from a one off dividend paid to the city council as part-owners of Manchester Airport Group – has already been used to improve footpaths, bins and benches.
Cllr Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “Heaton Park is a priceless and well-loved asset that generations of Manchester people have enjoyed and major investment in the last year is helping to improve this major green space for generations to come.
“We are committed to exploring new ways of improving the offer to a wide range of visitors to Heaton and further develop the park as an essential destination, whilst at the same time improving the existing well-loved amenities.
“One such way is to invite operators of tree-based adventure activities to put forward proposals for Heaton and we look forward to receiving imaginative responses in the coming months.”
