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Demolition of the bandstand in Avenham Park, March 2006

Following the successful completion of Phase 1 of the restoration project this Summer, preparations for Phase 2 are underway. An initial funding application to the Heritage Lottery Fund in September 2007 was successful and detailed drawings are now being drafted. This stage of preparation work, including all the project documentation and funding, should be in place by the end of Summer 09, with works being complete in readiness for the 2012 Preston Guild.

Phase 1 was launched in March 2006 with the demolition of the 1950's Bandstand, which was closely followed by work to divert a sewer and bring power and utilities to the site of the Pavilion. Work also took place at the South Meadow Lane entrance to Miller Park, including improvements to the council depot and new vehicle restrictions at this entrance, the Ribblesdale Place entrance and the West Cliff entrance. This work was finished in 2007 and was the first section of work to be completed.

Urn restoration, Miller Park

The main Pavilion and Landscape contracts began on Wednesday 14th March 2007 and were officially launched by the then Mayor of Preston, Cllr Bill Tyson. Phase 1 was concluded with the switching on of the ornate fountain in Miller Park on 24th August 08. 11 year old Ryan Donohoe from Ashton won the honour of switching the fountain back on supervised by Cllr John Swindells, the Mayor of Preston at the time. The cafe opened on Thursday 18 September and is now open 7 days a week.

Phase 1 was funded by Preston City Council, the HLF (Heritage Lottery Fund), SRB (through the Avencentral Partnership), ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) and Lancashire County Council.

If you would like to get involved in the development of the parks, why not join the Friends group? For more details contact the Park Manager on 01772 906471.

Project Overview

The Aims of the project are to:

  • Restore the original 19th century landscape design of Edward Milner, a leading Victorian landscape architect
  • Restore or adapt worthy 20th century additions, for example, the Japanese Garden
  • Provide modern 21st century facilities, such as a new Pavilion, events infrastructure, lighting and cycle/vehicle control.

The project is split in to two phases:

Phase 1

  • Landscape restoration; the Stable Yard, steps, railings, gates, lighting, rockwork, signage, cycle management/Derby Walk, drainage, architectural sundries including signage
  • Historical restoration work; the Belvedere, the Swiss Chalet, the Earl of Derby statue, the Boer War Memorial, Derby Walk, steps and urns and Miller Park Fountain
  • Construction of a new Pavilion will house a cafe, meeting room, office space, and multi-function room
  • Appointment of a Parks Manager

Phase 2

  • Landscape restoration; planting, tree works, grass reinforcement, paths, roads, cycle management part 2, Avenham Walk, Japanese Garden