WICKSTEED PARK’S HISTORIC HEART PROJECT WINS KETTERING CIVIC SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT AWARD

Kettering Civic Society has awarded its annual Rose Bowl environmental improvement award to Wicksteed Park, for its £2.5 million Historic Heart project.
The award was presented to Oliver Wicksteed, chairman of the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire David Laing, on behalf of the society, in a ceremony held at Boughton House on Sunday June 16.
A £2.5 million project to renovate and restore the original heart of the park has transformed its elegant Edwardian pavilion, central piazza and precinct.
It was funded by the Wicksteed Charitable Trust and has rejuvenated the social hub of the park as well as providing an improved welcome to visitors.
It is now complemented by restored original park cottages which utilised a revolutionary form of prefabrication and which are now being used for information centres, the sale of Wicksteed ice cream, learning spaces and community uses.
Kettering Civic Society’s Rose Bowl is awarded annually to the designer, builder or owner, of a building or landscape which is outstanding in its contribution to the civic scene.
Last year, the award went to the Duke of Buccleuch for the restoration of Warkton Village Hall, prompting arrangements for this year’s award to be presented at Boughton House.
Civic Society Chairman Paul Ansell said:” The Historic Heart project at Wicksteed Park is marvellous. The colour of paintwork, planting and outdoor furnishings are also great quality and truly perfect.
“Throughout the years the standard of the care to the maintenance of the park’s grounds and gardens, with never-ending beauty and colour has also been high, bringing a great deal of pleasure to all.”
Oliver Wicksteed, Chairman of the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, said: “The Historic Heart project has rejuvenated the original heart of the park and breathed new life into the Pavilion and surrounding area.
“We wanted the park to reach its full potential as a heritage and learning resource for the local community and the large number of people who visit us and we are delighted that the project it has been recognised in this way by the Civic Society.”
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Kettering Civic Society
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