Park will shut gates for major restoration

Eastwood Park in Hasland, Chesterfield, will shut its gates for four weeks from Monday as work begins on a £1.3m project to renovate, improve and modernise its facilities as well as introduce a number of new features.

Coun Chris Ludlow, executive member for the environment at Chesterfield Borough Council, said the park needed to close as demolition work got under way.

“It’s fantastic that work is now going to begin on the park.

“Once this work is completed the park will open again although there will be restricted access to certain areas whilst work continues on the various features in the park. The village hall will still be open for all existing bookings up until the end of December.”

The refurbishment of the village hall will begin in January and all work will be finished for the park’s centenary celebrations next June.

Funding was secured through a grant of £1.1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund, with the council contributing a further £201,000. Local councillors, the Friends of Eastwood Park, community and sports groups and other partners worked together to put together the successful bid.

Emma Sayer, head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: “This much-loved green space is the heart of Hasland, and through this project it will be completely revitalised. The historic elements will be preserved and the village hall restored so that it can once again be used and enjoyed by people from across the community – both now and for years to come.”

Other work includes the restoration of the fountain, the creation of a community garden, mini orchard, rose garden, wildlife area and tree planting.

There will be a new multi-use games area and play area for children plus improvements to the car park, footpath, drainage and war memorial.