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Bringing back memories at Memorial Park
Work has begun on a project to restore Newbigginís Memorial Park to its 1920s splendour. The park is undergoing a £175,000 face lift which it is hoped will once again make it a popular leisure time attraction.
The work is being carried out as part of the Newbiggin Life - Local Initiative for Everyone project which is spearheading the regeneration of the village, its economy and community.
Through a series of consultation events, local people have been able to get involved and influence the development of a village master plan which is due to receive formal approval soon. This included suggestions for Memorial Park such as cleaning and renewing stonework and replacing the long lost railings.
Mike Goodman, chairman of the Newbiggin by the Sea Regeneration Community Partnership, said: "It is difficult to put into words how pleased I am that this work is underway. It is something we have been trying to achieve for several years but never quite reached our goal until Newbiggin Life got on board."
"The park has always been something of a focal point in the village and has featured in milestones in many peopleís lives ñ such as wedding photographs. It will be fantastic to see it restored to its former glory, including railings which were taken away to support the war effort in the 1940s."
Jack Dodds, secretary of the Newbiggin and North Seaton Royal British Legion, added: ìWe are highly delighted with this project which is something we have looked forward to for many years. I am sure it will look absolutely fabulous in the summers to come and will be a fitting venue for future Remembrance Day ceremonies.î
The park was originally created from a stagnating and disused brewery pond. Local subscriptions are believed to have paid for its construction, principally as a memorial to those who died in the First World War.
Work is currently underway to restore the memorial archway, gates and boundary walls and to re-instate the railings back to the original design. Footpaths will be resurfaced and a larger paved area created at the centre of the park, suitable for public art to be displayed. a. New flower beds and substantial planting will complete the project.
Funds provided through the Northumberland Strategic Partnership have come from the Single Regeneration Budget with Wansbeck District Council providing substantial financial support for the project.
