THE Friends of Walton Estate are delighted with the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has finally released almost £2m which will enable Warrington Council to start work renovating the old Conservatory at Walton Gardens.
Malcolm Eldridge Chairman, Friends of Walton Estate said: “The Friends group started in 2001 with several objectives but its main ambition was the restoration of the Conservatory. Throughout this time, we have been very aware of the public sadness at the loss of such an outstanding feature.
“We have campaigned its restoration and have spent many hours in and around the conservatory, clearing it so that the public could appreciate its potential.
“We predict there will be plenty of public support for various schemes that we will announce shortly which will provide an opportunity for people to contribute to the rebuild.
“We appreciate that it will take some time to complete the project. Meanwhile, Warrington Borough Council will continue to invest in the Estate, for example in the renovation of the Old Riding School and the old Laundry building. With all the investment over the present period, Walton Gardens will continue to provide recreational opportunities for all sections of the community.
Malcolm added: “Walton Gardens has been Warrington’s favourite open space for almost 70 years and many people have happy memories. One of our projects is to capture stories from the past. We have other projects and need volunteers to help us make progress.”
Warrington Borough Council worked with partners Myerscough College, Walton Lea Partnership and the Friends of Walton Estate on the winning bid which includes plans to restore the historic conservatory and stable buildings and transform the old buildings into a dedicated learning centre.
The stable yard, once occupied by Lady Daresbury’s prized Kerry cattle, will become classrooms and offices, with the historic conservatory and vinery used as teaching, growing and display space. The subjects taught at the new learning centre will include horticulture and animal care, with students carrying out project work on the Walton Estate and in the Children’s Zoo as part of their course.
Walton Lea Partnership’s work will be carried out side by side with the College, allowing people of all ages and abilities to learn and thrive together.
An important part of the National Lottery-funded project will be to reopen the conservatory area to visitors to Walton. Part of the main conservatory will be a public space where visitors can learn about the horticultural heritage of the site and see development and training work being undertaken.
Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for culture, leisure and community, said: “I’m delighted that this integral part of our borough’s cultural heritage is receiving this massive cash injection. We have worked very hard with our partners to bring in this funding which will benefit the whole Walton Estate.
“Thanks to National Lottery players we will now be able to restore the grand conservatories and beautiful buildings to their former glory and setting within the gardens.”
As part of the project, a programme of events and activities will be planned that will aim to connect visitors to the popular gardens to the heritage and history of the site.
Meanwhile anyone with time to help or a story to tell, can get in touch via the group’s facebook page friendsofwaltonestate or contact them by email [email protected]
