Further to our report on funding for city park improvements, which looked at community initiatives over in Shirley, residents there are now celebrating after being awarded nearly Ł65,000 to develop St James’ Park.

The funding is from the ‘Parks for People’ - a joint Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund initiative.

"This is great news for the people of Shirley and the many people who visit St James’ Park,” said Cllr Phil Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services. “Our scheme aims to restore and enhance St James’ Park for the 21st century, involving the local community at every stage and ensuring that the park is an asset to the whole community. Thanks to this investment from the Lottery, we can now go ahead and develop the plans for the full Ł1.5million park improvement scheme.”

The Council says the Friends of St James’ Park have been working with local people on ideas for the Park. Plans include fully refurbishing the WW2 building with a café and community room, creating two new entrances to the park, refurbishing the tennis courts and improving play facilities with something for both young and old!

Nichola Caveney from the Friends of St James Park said: "Local people who love St James` Park are so excited to be involved in such an important project for the area. We are delighted that this award will give this much-loved park the investment it needs. We are confident that the improvements will breathe new life into the heart of the community and we can’t wait to get started!"

Images: David Wheatley, FoSJP photographer

Links

Friends of St James’ Park

Riverside Park joins list of best parks and green spaces

Friends of Riverside Park