HLF and Big to give parks a £19 million boost – December 20th 2011

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The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (Big) have announced they will be putting £19 million in lotto funding forward to help restore public parks in the UK.

Both organisations have earmarked the cash to help get green spaces in Brighton, Crawley, Goole and Manchester back to looking their best for local residents and visitors in the near future.

Chief executive of HLF Carole Soutar said lottery officials and her colleagues are working alongside local authorities and communities to make sure public parks do not lose out on this kind of investment.

“Our parks are invaluable to people’s well being and an integral part of local communities,” she stated, adding that ensuring they are well maintained – and that the money to do this is available – is essential to safeguarding their future as features for adults and children to enjoy in their home town.

One of the spaces receiving the lottery funding treatment is Alexandra Park in Manchester, which is being given a £2.2 million grant to restore its 19th-century pavilion and set up a learning centre for environmental projects and other activities.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is the UK’s largest dedicated financier of historical, conservation and restorative ventures, putting forward around £255 million annually towards such undertakings.