After careful restoration, this green jewel in the crown of St Leonards is finally open again to the public.
St Leonards Gardens was closed for just over a year for vital work to be carried out on paths, flowerbeds, lawns and buildings. Earlier this year it was officially re-opened to the great delight of everyone involved in the project and nearby residents.
Designed by James Burton in 1828, the gardens were originally designed around his plans to create New Brighton, further east along the coast.
Burton had already made his name in Georgian London as a highly respected builder responsible for much of Bloomsbury, St Johns Wood and Clapham Common. He was also a collaborator of John Nash and helped design parts of Regents Park in 1811.
Burton's vision for St Leonards was that of a spa resort for the wealthy. St Leonards Gardens were initially subscription gardens, when in 1879 they were bought for the sum of £9,000 and opened up to the general public.
Over the years the gardens gradually became more and more run down and when the Council looked at restoring them, it became apparent that the cost was going to be significant.
Thanks to a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the work was able to go ahead. Partners on the project included contractors English Landscapes, WAS architects and English Heritage. Thanks to a great working relationship between the various partners, the project was delivered on time and to budget.
Besides the landscaping, some of the major work has been to restore a building within the grounds. The South Lodge will now become something of a centrepiece for the gardens and will be used for the Burtons' St Leonards Society to exhibit all things Burtons related.
Next on the list is to form a Friends group, with the society, to help coordinate the grand re-opening next summer. Some of the themes already emerging from talks with community groups are: local history studies, arts, education and play activities. The next meeting is planned for January.
If you are interested in becoming a Friend of St Leonards Gardens, telephone 01424 451071 or e-mail jdodson@hastings.gov.uk
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This page last updated: 19/12/2007