Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

On 16th March, the Council’s Cabinet will consider bidding to make Queens Park into the premier town park in Leicestershire with a major refurbishment.

Proposals include detailed attention to the maintenance of the greenery, improved flower and decorative borders, resurfaced paths, better information, signposting and toilet facilities and new gateways to the five entrances. There will be improved security and more use of the park for community events. When the work is completed it is expected that Charnwood will gain the coveted Green Flag Award.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Max Hunt said: "Queens Park is a beloved old friend of Loughborough and the proposals are well overdue if we are to maintain this Victorian Park in tip top condition. Queens Park was identified as a key feature of the Town Centre in our Masterplan and, along with the Market and facilities like the Town Hall, is obviously of great importance to the attraction of the commercial heart of the town. The proposals show a real commitment to improving and developing green and open space.”

If agreed the Borough Council will be setting up a "Friends of Queens Park" to bring people together to support the park and advise the Council on its future upkeep. It is anticipate that local residents as well as shoppers and occasional visitors may wish to join.

Charnwood's Design Champion, Cllr Jill Vincent added: "Since January, Charnwood has been consulting on details of the Queens Park conservation area. The work, put before the Council, contains substantial details of the history and architecture of the area which the Borough Council sets out to preserve and celebrate.

“It's notable how many of the landmarks we provided by donations or presentations, often made by Loughborough's early councillors. Schools and amateur historians may be particularly interested."

This is part of a larger investment in the Borough’s environment, including an investment in the Loughborough Parish Green Partnership, through the 2005/06 Capital Plan. The funding will secure the restoration and improvement of the churchyard to Loughborough Parish Church, the Rectory Wildlife Garden and the surroundings to the Rectory Museum. The aim is to connect and revitalise the areas to create a significant, integrated and inviting public space.