Plans to reinstate the Victorian gardens and landscaping at Ellington Park, linking the new café building and toilets on the terrace to a refurbished bandstand, are to go on show for public consultation.
Thanet District Council and Friends of Ellington Park, with support from Heritage Lottery Fund, are working to improve the Ramsgate park.
Park users and members of the public were consulted earlier in the year, with results showing that people wanted toilets; café facilities; an improved bandstand and live events.
A conceptual masterplan has now been developed. Recent additions of wildlife garden; cherry tree walk; miniature railway; children’s play area and volunteer’s hub will be updated and incorporated into the scheme.
Within the masterplan, there are different design proposals and the Ellington Park team would like to hear the public’s views on which ones to develop before submitting a planning application in late February 2018. There will be a series of drop in sessions where everyone is welcome to come along, meet the team, find out more and leave their views.
The project
The Friends of Ellington Park are carrying out a three-year project to renovate and restore parts of the park.
The two phase process began in January this year when the Ellington Park project secured design and development funding to ensure all aspects of the parks heritage, features and its current use are considered in the design.
These designs will be submitted to HLF in spring / summer 2018, for final approval. If agreed, works will start on the park in late 2018.
Heritage Lottery Funding will renovate the bandstand; restore the best features of the original 1893 Joseph Cheal landscape scheme; improve play facilities and provide the cafe and toilets. There will also be a five year scheme of activity in the park.
Thanet District Council and Friends of Ellington Park are working closely together with design team: Landscape Architects Allen Scott; architects Clague and quantity surveyor Wooley Coles, to design a park for the people and unlock a £2million investment.
The history
Ellington Park is 126 years old. The late Victorian and Edwardian landscaped area is across 13 acres of land. It was laid out in 1893 on what was once part of the estate surrounding Ellington House.
The park was designed by the Victorian landscape company Joseph Cheal and Son, known for their work at Hever Castle and Kirkstall Abbey.
Today, many of the heritage features of the park remain, including over 390 trees, which dapple the rolling slopes of the park enjoyed by some 9,000 visitors per year.
The Friends of Ellington Park are a committee made up of a group of local residents and park users committed to improving the facilities and environment of the park.
Public drop in sessions
December 6, 11 am – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm, St Lawrence Parish Hall, 33A High Street, Ramsgate, CT11 0QP
December 10,11am – 5pm, Friends of Ellington Park Stall, Addington Street Christmas Fair
December 11, 11 am – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm, St Lawrence Parish Hall, 33A High Street, Ramsgate, CT11 0QP
If you have any questions and access requirements, please contact [email protected] or call 01843 577614.
Councillor Lin Fairbrass, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environmental Services said:“This is a vital part of our Heritage Lottery Fund bid and we look forward to meeting with the local community to discuss the proposals.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the park to come along and see the plans. Members of the project team will also be on hand to answer your questions.”
Find out more about the park, and the friends, at: www.friendsofellingtonpark.org.uk