The exciting £6m transformation of one of Trafford’s oldest and best-loved parks is getting under way with the agreement of a major contract.
The contract between Trafford Council and The Casey Group to renovate Longford Park is now finalised and ‘sealed’ following a period of planning and preparation.
Residents and visitors will see work get under way at the end of the month on the construction phase of the People, Place and Nature Project. The year of work will include revamping the popular Pets’ Corner, gardens and play areas, as well as adding new seating and signage.
A centrepiece will be the regeneration of the Long Barn into a sustainable, energy-efficient, community space.
The former footprint of Longford Hall will also be reinterpreted to celebrate the site's history, creating a unique and inviting area for visitors to explore.
The aim is to create a better park for all ages and abilities to enjoy – with enhanced play, recreational and spots facilities, greater biodiversity and resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The project team is planning opportunities for local people to volunteer and get involved in other ways during the major process, funded by more than £3m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the remainder from a range of partners.
The Rochdale-based Casey Group has extensive experience delivering high-quality construction, civil engineering and regeneration projects that enhance communities and improve local areas.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“It’s fantastic news that this ambitious and transformational project for one of Trafford’s most well-loved parks can now get underway. We’re thrilled to support Trafford Council with this project thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, and we’re excited to see its progress and how this wonderful green space will be enjoyed by local communities and visitors for years to come.”
Cllr Barry Winstanley, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change said:
“We are delighted that this exciting project is moving forward and we thank everyone involved for their patience as we reach this important point in the timeline.
"Local people will be able to see their beloved park changing and improving over the next few months and there will be all sorts of ways to get involved and be a part of this exciting, landmark process.”
Brian Knowles, Operations Director at The Casey Group, said:
"We are delighted to be working in partnership with Trafford Council and the wider project team to bring forward these significant improvements at Longford Park.
This investment will protect and enhance one of Trafford's most valued green spaces, creating facilities and environments that can be enjoyed by local people for generations to come. At Casey, we are passionate about improving lives through the projects we deliver, and we look forward to working closely with the community to create a lasting legacy that encourages inclusion and greater connection with nature."
The Council and partners will do their best to minimise disruption during the construction work, and keep as many facilities open as possible, though it will be necessary to close certain areas for safety during work.
Updates and latest information will be available on the People, Place and Nature Project pages of the Council website.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.
That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.
Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations.
We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
By 2033 we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.