Trafford Council is to submit a bid to the National Lottery for funding to help transform one of the borough’s most famous and popular public parks.
The Executive last night (February 20) approved a plan to submit the bid for around £3m to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) towards the restoration and development of the park.
There are huge and exciting plans for the park, a designated conservation area, which was owned by John and Enriqueta Rylands who resided at Longford Hall and who also built Stretford Public Hall.
The plans include the proposed development of a new learning, training and volunteering hub in the park’s historic long barn and improved sport and recreational facilities including a new BMX course and revamped sports courts. The Council, along with partners the One Trafford Partnership, also plan for the redesign of features such as the former Longford Hall site and gardens, a revamped Pets’ Corner, the re-opening of Longford Brook, plus new footpaths, seating, lighting and multi-media interpretation.
The bid also includes funding for two new members of staff responsible for delivering a programme of events, activities and community engagement to broaden the park’s appeal and impact.
The Council recently submitted a planning application for the wide-scale transformation of the park – the borough’s largest at 22 hectares. Match funding of around £1m towards the work has already been secured through planning contributions from the local area, plus cash from the council’s own budget.
The proposals have been developed in conjunction with consultants The Environment Partnership (TEP), The Friends of Longford Park, City of Trees and the One Trafford Partnership, made possible by development grant funding from the NLHF in addition to council funding. A public consultation took place last year asking residents what they thought of the current plans for Longford Park, with over 300 responses received and used to refine the plans.
Trafford Council is committed to improving residents ‘ health and wellbeing and has made addressing our climate crisis a major corporate priority.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “We have some amazing parks in Trafford and they are all extremely important to local communities. Parks provide welcome green spaces in our neighbourhoods, helping to keep people healthy and active and providing a space for nature.
“This funding will help us transform Longford Park and make it an even more incredible space for thousands of local residents and visitors now and in the future. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard and contributed to this project.”
A decision on the May bid is expected in September of this year and, if successful, work could start on site in autumn 2024.
Posted on Tuesday 21st February 2023