During the last year, vast amounts of research has been done in an attempt to piece together the development of Alexandra Park since it was first landscaped by Robert Marnock and then officially opened by Princess Alexandra in June 1882. the 118 year history has been put together after numerous visits to the Records Offices and museums and help from the public. Before any work could start, a conservation and management plan had to be put together and then approved by the Heritage Lottery Fund (who awarded £2.5 million to the project) and Hastings Borough Council, who have invested £900,000 into the project. the plan is in two parts and ensures that the renovation follows heritage guidelines and that future management is sustainable.
An essential part of the process has been getting your views and your support. A Friends of the Park group has been set up and represents many parts of the community. the group is made up of twenty three individuals who will be involved in a number ways.
the replacement of the park railings was given approval by Heritage Lottery ahead of time. That part of the project is now nearly completed. Along Lower Park Road, a gap has been left beneath the railings. This is because, as part of the Greenway Project, a cycle route is planned which will be constructed to kerb height. Work has started between Bethune Way and Safeway and the plan is to take the cycle route via Lower Park Road and link it to Alexandra Park above Dordrecht Way.
Wherever possible, buildings structures and hard and soft landscaping will be restored in keeping with Heritage principles. But, modern needs dictate different design concepts and the skill of the project team will be in blending these different requirements which will result in a superb example of a restored urban park.
Key projects for early 2001 include:
Restore/refurbish public toilets
Refurbish café
Restore bandstand and shelters to original designs
Work on the bowling green
Extensive landscaping and re-planting
Ecological and tree survey
Lower pond dredging
Boundary fencing
A newsletter updating residents is currently being produced. the Friends of the Park will take responsibility for this.
A new Park Ranger is now in post. Stephen Prosser will be patrolling the park and will act as an important contact for park users who wish to know more about the park’s progress. Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Quality of Life, said: “I am delighted that Stephen is our new park ranger. He will fulfil an important role in the park – and act as a public liaison point for those who wish to know more about the park project and the park itself.”
If you wish to know more about the restoration project, please contact the Alexandra Park Project Manager on 781197.
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This page last updated: 03/01/2001