St Edmundsbury Borough Council has applied for major funding from the National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund PARKS FOR PEOPLE programme in the Abbey Gardens.
We have submitted a bid in February 2012. It describes the principles for conserving the gardens and making them available to as many visitors as possible in the future. An essential part of this bid was the ideas and opinions of people who use the gardens and we will hear in July if we have been successful. If we are, we will be given money to put together a detailed plan.
Ideas so far include physical work like:
- conservation and repair of Abbey Gate and precinct wall;
- better refreshments facilities;
- good information and interpretation throughout the site;
- include the Old Eastgate Nursery in the park and move the tennis courts there;
- open up Abbots Bridge as a footpath within the gardens;
- re-landscape the water garden and bowling green area;
- extend the new play space;
- make the River Lark a more important and accessible feature;
- regenerate the Rankles and make more accessible;
- better paths, seats, signs and bins;
- long grass, and wild flowers in some areas, including the ruins.
Ideas for activities and employment opportunities include:
- a community archaeology programme excavating the tennis courts area, with a chance for everyone to get involved;
- Stonemason, Horticulture and Landscape Apprenticeships;
- workshops and activities for children and families.
See the future plans for the Abbey Gardens
Enquiries: Damien Parker, Parks Manager, St Edmundsbury Borough Council
Phone: 01284 757090
Email: damien.parker@stedsbc.gov.uk
