MAJOR plans to restore Castlewellan Forest Park to its former glory as part of a significant investment programme have received a major pre-Christmas boost.
The Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed yesterday that it is to provide almost £250,000 to help with ambitious redevelopment proposals which are being spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down Council in conjunction with the Forest Service.
Fund officials had made it clear that the application process was very competitive, with council officials delighted they had made a persuasive argument to secure the cash they require.
The local authority is also in the process of making a separate £430,000 bid to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to assist with the work at the forest park. The closing date for applications is the end of next month.
Since the 1740s, the forest park was the demesne of the Annesley family, a long line of passionate gardeners who created a beautiful landscape and a nationally and internationally important 45 hectare arboretum.
The £247,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant will be used to help fund the development phase of the project, which will work to achieve a vision for Castlewellan Historic Demesne to create a heritage-led destination to connect people with their built and natural heritage.
The development phase includes surveys of the woody plants in the arboretum and biodiversity of the park, alongside design work to repair and develop the buildings in The Grange and walled garden. Work is also required to carry out further consultations and submit planning applications.
Council chairman Mark Murnin, thanked the HLF for its financial support for the exciting project.
“The park is such a vital part of the local community,” he said. I am delighted that this funding gives us the potential for its restoration and that future generations will also be able to enjoy the facility and engage with its heritage,” he added.
The local authority is keen to see the picturesque forest park’s Arboretum, Annesley Garden and Grange Buildings redeveloped to help increase the number of visitors and provide the area with an economic boost.
A recent economic appraisal recommended the development of what is being described as a welcome centre in the Walled Garden area designed to provide access via lift to its upper floor, with the local council keen to play a leading role, alongside the Forest Service, to help transform the park’s fortunes and make it even more popular.
Politicians were told last week that architects have been awarded the tender for works in the Walled Garden and Bothy Yard and Rhododendron Wood areas, with work underway on planning and statutory approvals for works in the Walled Garden and Bothy Yard.
It has also been confirmed that a topographical survey — which could cost as much as £10,000 —will be required to assist with the planning process.
Council officials say that while they recognise the park’s undoubted heritage significance, parts of it require investment to preserve and help promote an area which has “exceptional tourism and recreational potential.”
It is envisaged that initial restoration work will focus on the 12-acre walled garden which is at the centre of the critically acclaimed arboretum, Bothy Yard and pathways which wind their way through the Rhododendron Wood.
A critical look has also been taken of the park’s traffic management and parking facilities.