Historic Winckley Square Georgian garden set for a £1.2m makeover

Now historic Winckley Square is having a £1.2m makeover to return it to its former glory.

Wood cutters have been giving the Georgian garden a trim before work starts on transforming it into the exclusive open space it once was.

The chainsaws have been buzzing to fell 17 unhealthy trees to make way for the improvements. More than 30 new saplings will be planted to replace them in a project which has the backing of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

“The removal works are part of an overall strategy to sustain and enhance the gardens’ historic tree population which gives Winckley Square such a treasured character, ”explained David Gill, chairman of the Winckley Square Community Interest Company.

“All trees removed will be compensated for with replacement planting to ensure the square’s tree population remains healthy and strong for years to come.”

The bulk of the work on the park - improving drainage and footpaths and restoring the original railing - will begin in May and should be completed by the end of the year.

Ben Williams, project manager for Groundwork, said: “The trees were inspected by a qualified ecologist to ensure that there is no harm to any rare or protected species arising from the works.”