Weston Park   The Park bandstand awaiting restoration Weston Park Restoration Project In March 2006 it was announced that the Heritage Lottery Fund would make an award of over £2 million to the help with the restoration of Weston Park. The award comes after over five years hard work by a range of groups and individuals who came together to help restore this landscape jewel. Thanks must be given to all who have worked with Sheffield City Council, particularly the Friends of Crookes Valley and Weston Park, Museums Sheffield, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Childrens Hospital. It is planned that the restoration work will be completed by the spring of 2008. The entire park will be affected at some stage over the length of the project, but the areas of the park closed to the public at any one time will kept minimal. Routes through the park and areas of grass will be kept open wherever possible. The work will consist of Improving the park infrastructure by resurfacing all paths and replacing modern railings and gates with more appropriate designs. Refurbishing all seven of the Grade ll listed monuments and memorials, which powerfully commemorate the valor and craftsmanship of the people of Sheffield and their efforts to promote social reform. Recreating the original vision for the lake as a striking reflective sheet of water crossed by two beautiful wooden bridges, using the original 1874 Marnock designs discovered in the city archives. Restoring the bandstand, which is a nationally rare example of a fully glazed structure, to create a unique cultural venue and outdoor classroom. Replacing the stolen south east gates, the theft of which in 1995 came to symbolise the lowest point in the fortunes of the park. Planting new trees and shrubs in Marnocks style to increase the all year round interest and sensory value. Installing new benches and creating quiet, sheltered seating areas. Remodeling and refurbishing two of the existing tennis courts. Providing improved facilities for the park staff. Installing lighting and CCTV along one of the principal routes through the park. Improving access to ensure all areas of the park are wheelchair accessible. Installing new signage and interpretation boards. Developing a range of activities and events to encourage new users from across the city and beyond. The historical importance of Weston Park Weston Park is one of the most complete examples in the country of the later work of Robert Marnock and was the first municipal park in Sheffield. Weston Park was developed from the grounds of Weston Hall, a grand house built in the early 1800s for Thomas Harrison, an eminent sawmaker. After his death the city council acquired the land in 1873 and commissioned Marnock to create a public park which was opened in 1875. Robert Marnock was one of the greatest park and garden designers of the 1800s. He perfected the gardenesque style of landscape design, which features winding paths and tree scattered across grass lawns in an informal style and many of these features are still clearly visible today. As well as Weston Park, Robert Marnock also designed many other parks in Sheffield including the Sheffield Botanical Gardens and High Hazels Park. He went on to layout gardens for the Royal Botanic Society in Regents Park in London, before becoming their first curator. He continued to work there right up to his retirement at the age of 79! Further information Further details of the project can be found on our website www.westonpark.org.uk or by contacting the Project Development Officer 0114 273 4579
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