£5m scheme to restore city park

Radical £5 million plans to transform Wolverhampton’s East Park could see a bandstand and clock tower restored, a paddling pool created and tennis courts converted into a brand new games area, it emerged today.

Wolverhampton City Council plans to bid for cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to restore the Victorian park to its former glory.

Ambitious plans would see the park divided into three distinct areas, with some original features restored and new facilities introduced.

The main developments are planned for the central area, where tennis courts will be converted to a multi-use games area and a new children’s play area and paddling pool introduced.

The park originally boasted a large central lake, although this was prone to leaking and eventually drained away. Plans to reintroduce the lake have been shelved after they proved unpopular with local people.

The nearby bandstand and clock tower will be restored.

The draft masterplan follows consultation with park users and the council is now seeking comments about the main proposals before the bid is submitted to the HLF next month.

Councillor John Reynolds, leisure and culture boss, said: “It is a competitive process where public support is key. We would not expect to start until 2010 at the earliest.”

The masterplan and questionnaire can be found at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/eastparkconsultation. Copies are also available from the rangers’ building at East Park or by calling 01902 551155. Comments must be returned by February 22.

East Park was one of the first derelict land reclamation schemes in Britain, built over mine shafts to provide recreation for people living in the east of the city.