One of Newcastle’s best-loved green spaces has been given a new lease of life following the completion of a £3.2 million restoration programme.
Council Leader Cllr Nick Forbes has officially reopened Exhibition Park following a major programme of investment which has restored historic features, improved facilities and transformed the park for residents and visitors.
The restoration has been delivered by Newcastle City Council with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and follows several years of work involving local residents, volunteers and community organisations.
At the heart of the project is the restoration of the park’s historic Victorian bandstand, which has been carefully returned to its former glory using old photographs to help recreate its original appearance.
A new modern café has also been created, providing another reason for residents and visitors to spend time in the park.
Major improvements have been made to the lake, including better drainage and the creation of new wildlife islands to improve habitats and encourage biodiversity.
The skate park has been extended and improved with young people who use the facility directly involved in shaping the work.
Investment has also supported the creation of a dedicated park ranger and a part-time community support officer, helping ensure the improvements are accompanied by more activity and community involvement.
The transformation is part of Labour’s commitment to protect and improve Newcastle’s parks and green spaces despite the severe financial pressures facing the council.
Exhibition Park has been part of Newcastle life for generations and Labour wants the investment to ensure it remains a place where residents can meet, exercise, play and enjoy the outdoors for many years to come.
Council Leader Cllr Nick Forbes said: “It’s wonderful to see new life being breathed into one of the best Victorian parks in the country.
“This wouldn’t have happened without the dedicated help and support of volunteers and the local community, who worked alongside the council and our partners over the last three years.
“I’m delighted to be re-opening the park, which I know is one of Newcastle’s best loved greenspaces, where people can get together to enjoy all the new facilities on offer.”
Cabinet Member for Communities and Facilities Cllr David Stockdale said: “All of the work that has gone into Exhibition Park has restored one of the North East’s most famous parks back to its former glory.
“The improvements will ensure this much-loved park can continue to be enjoyed by Newcastle residents and visitors for generations to come.”