2015 starts off well and continues Barnsley’s growing trend of successfully securing funding and grants for local visitor economy and cultural projects. In recent years, successful funding bids have included Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre, the Dearne Valley landscape Partnership, restoration of Elsecar Heritage Centre’s Newcomen Beam Engine and the Victorian Conservatory at Wentworth Castle Gardens; and The extension of The Cooper Gallery.
Today, it was announced that Cannon Hall Park and Gardens have been successful in securing earmarked funding of £2.8m, including a development grant of £138,000, from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund for the targeted and sustainable conservation of its buildings and surrounding parkland. This is fantastic news for an already successful area of Cawthorne, incorporating Cannon Hall Museum, Cannon Hall Farm, the Victoria Jubilee Museum and the new Underneath The Stars Festival.
Cllr Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for Place, said: “Many people have worked hard to get to this stage and in particular I’d like to thank the Friends of Cannon Hall who have worked tirelessly towards raising awareness of the need for this work and in fundraising to support the funding application.” The funding for this project comes from Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.
The project, for which development funding has been provided, aims to restore and repair important features of the Georgian park and gardens including key features such as an ice-house, deer shelter and gardeners’ cottage, which will be turned into a volunteers’ hub.
Work will also be undertaken to dredge and restore the lakes of the Park, which are the subject of a long running local campaign, improving their appearance, restoring original vistas, improving water quality and supporting biodiversity.
There will also be wider community benefits to the project through apprenticeships and planned educational, learning, volunteering and skills development programmes. Through the project the building will be restored to its former glory and also reveal the many secrets, currently hidden from visitors.
Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said on behalf of HLF and the Big Lottery Fund: “Since HLF’s State of UK Public Parks 2014: Renaissance to Risk report was published, it’s become even clearer that parks are facing an uncertain future, in spite of being more popular than ever. Today’s investment – including earmarked support of £2.8m for Canon Hall Park and Gardens – will not only help regenerate seven historic parks, ensuring local people have access to high quality green spaces, but also brings to life exciting plans that will see parks used for training, events and activities.”
Alternative Barnsley 