Bid to restore park’s glory

A stunning boating lake is to be the centrepiece of the multi-million pound redevelopment of Wolverhampton’s East Park. The plans also include the restoration of the bandstand and creation of formal gardens and a fountain.

The revamp aims to restore the park to the glory of its Victorian heyday. The park had a lake when it opened in 1896 but it was drained because of leaks. Further misfortunes for the park, included the demise of its nursery, outdoor swimming pool, tennis pavilion and boathouses.

But the new proposals signal a brighter future for the site, which has always appeared to have lost out in funding to its award-winning counterpart, West Park.

The historic clocktower is to be restored and a new play area created, while the tennis courts will be transformed into a multi-use games area.

New pathways will be carved out, and scores of trees planted.

Musical groups and other entertainers will be lined up to star on the restored bandstand, finally bringing to life one of Wolverhampton’s forgotten leisure spots.

Residents are being consulted about the plans, which have been drawn up by Wolverhampton City Council and LDA Design. Tony Richards, chairman of East Park Tenants and Residents Association, said he and others in the area had been campaigning for years for the park to be improved.

He said: “If the funding is there, and the work gets done, then it will be good thing. There is a lot to be done, and if it is done, it will be a very nice place for everyone to go.”

East Park councillor Pat Byrne said the city council was looking at various ways of how to fund the project.

The plans for East Park can be viewed on September 18 at Brooklands Shopping Parade between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.