Historic park to be restored with £2.5m of Lottery cash

Doncaster Council has received the cash to help restore Bentley Park and its pavilion.

Work on the project is expected to start by autumn next year and will see a range of improvements made to the park, including new cafe facilities, footpaths, gates, gardens and a water fountain.

There will also be new seating areas, better lighting and a new bandstand for outdoor performances.

All the new facilities should be complete by the end of 2013.

Coun Cynthia Ransome said: “I am delighted by this announcement.

“This project will transform Bentley Park into a wonderful setting that the whole community can enjoy and benefit from.

“The plans will see the restoration of some lost historic features and provide a range of new attractions.

“The park will become the perfect venue for celebrations and events and a good place to relax or have a stroll.”

A Friends of Bentley Park group has also been re-established, which meets on a monthly basis to share photographs and stories.

Anyone wanting to get involved in the group should contact Sarah Whittaker on 01302 736918.

Fiona Spiers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire, said: “Bentley Park is an important green space and has played a key role in the lives of local residents for over 80 years.

“The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to be supporting this project that will transform Bentley Park into a place that even more people can use and enjoy.”