Archived press release

Date Published: 07/08/07

Aylesbury Vale District Council has drawn up a multi-million pound masterplan to transform one of the district’s precious parks. A bid for £1.8 million will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in September to complete the restor...

Aylesbury Vale District Council has drawn up a multi-million pound masterplan to transform one of the district’s precious parks.

A bid for £1.8 million will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in September to complete the restoration of Vale Park in the heart of Aylesbury. The grant would help fund the third and final phase of the redevelopment project, with a mixture of other funding making up the cost of the £2.5 million scheme.

The original design of the park, which was drawn up by Thomas Mawson & Sons, the leading park design company of the 1920s, underpins the bid.

The council aims to recreate the rose garden included in the Mawson design and restore the original gates and railings. Other planned improvements include better grassed areas and footpaths, tree planting, lighting and a new main entrance opposite the High Street to improve access to the park.

The funding will also help the council to organise a wide range of activities in the park including events for children, musical performances and arts activities.

The first phase of the Vale Park redevelopment project was carried out in 2005 with the creation of a new children’s play area and a footpath on to Park Street. Work on the second phase of the redevelopment – the sports zone – was completed in 2006. This area of the park has a grass bowling green, two hard surface tennis courts, and a multi-sports area suitable for football and basketball.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Great strides have been made to make Vale Park a better place to visit. We feel that the planned improvements will really offer something for everyone. They will give us the chance to provide a wider range of events for all ages and interests and make the park even more attractive for visitors.”

The masterplan is available to view on the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk and residents can find out more about the redevelopment project by calling 01296 585228.