Car park complete at Preston green space

Moor Park’s car park has now reopened, following a revamp as part of the £2.2m transformation of the whole area.

The work has changed the layout of the car park, making it more “in-keeping” with the landscape of the rest of the green space.

Coun Robert Boswell, cabinet member for community and environment, said: “Progress on the restoration of Moor Park is on schedule and going well.

“By using the vital Heritage Lottery funding, the plans are really taking shape. The aim is to fully restore the park, closely following the original 1864-67 blueprint of landscape designer, Edward Milner.

“Our thanks go not only to our hardworking parks staff, but also to fantastic and very experienced contractors from across the North West.”

Preston Council received a grant of £1,725,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund in 2014, for the restoration project.

The cash is part of a £2,165,000 scheme, aiming to breathe new life into the Grade II listed park.

Work to refurbish the observatory, including modernising the inside and building a ramp, has been finished.

Displays are due to be installed inside by the spring, and the building will then be open to the public at times through the year.

The bowls pavilion is hoped to be used as a cafe from spring this year, with some alterations made.

CCTV is also to be installed to improve security.