The £5.5 million project to transform Manchester’s Alexandra Park will be complete at the weekend.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Sue Cooley will mark the astounding rejuvenation with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2pm on Sunday 31 August 2014.
The project has been jointly funded by Manchester City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), with support funding coming from the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Lawn Tennis Association and Sport England.
The project includes landscaping relating to the park’s original design, the restoration of historical features including both Chorlton Lodge and the Pavilion and the reinstating of the oval lawn and footpaths.
The Grade II listed landscape has also seen improvements to the lake, paths, drainage and the restoration of historical features such as the drinking fountain and tabernacle and the reintroduction of flowering plants and shrubs.
The sporting history of the park has been brought back to life with the creation of a cricket square, lacrosse pitches and flood lit tennis courts as well as improved play facilities.
This weekend will be a chance for the local community to celebrate the metamorphosis of Alexandra Park and the culmination of over a decade of planning and two years of work.
For anyone interested in the park’s 144 year history characters in period costume will be bringing the past to life on the restored walkways and terrace and the lodge will be full of information with an Archives+ display.
On Sunday the Pankhurst Choir will also be serenading visitors, which will be particular apt as the park once played host to suffragette rallies.
The weekend will also be the perfect opportunity to explore the area and take it in the tremendous amount of work that has transformed the park’s landscape, improved the lake and restored the pavilion and lodge.
As well as the new facilities and historic restoration the park now boasts three distinct zones, a nature zone, a community zone and a formal zone – meaning the park can continue to meet the diverse and varied needs of the local community.
Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council executive member for culture and leisure, said:
“Alexandra Park is at the heart of south Manchester and is beloved by residents in Whalley Range, Moss Side and Hulme. I’d encourage everyone to come down and see the miraculous improvements in the park – that have not only restored many of its historic features but created facilities fit for the 21st century.”
Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “We’re delighted to see the completion of all the hard work that’s gone into Alexandra Park.
“By working with local people, who were instrumental in drawing plans together, the project has completely transformed this important green space for the people of south Manchester and its long history and new facilities can now be properly enjoyed by everyone long into the future. This weekend is packed full of fun things to do for all the family – make sure you visit!”
