Next phase of Wellingborough's Croyland Gardens revamp set to begin

Phase two of the the revamp will start on Monday
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Improvements to one of Wellingborough much-loved parks will start next week with phase two of a revamp of facilities.

Croyland Gardens has already undergone phase one of the planned improvements, completed in November 2020, that included clearing of the overgrown vegetation, crown lifting trees, removal of weeds at the edge of Croyland Gardens and repairs to some pathways.

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Phase two is set to start on Monday, February 15, with the twelve-week project hoping to improve the quality of the area and increase its use by connecting the town centre with the gardens.

The three new areas as seen from the Tithe Barn end of Croyland GardensThe three new areas as seen from the Tithe Barn end of Croyland Gardens
The three new areas as seen from the Tithe Barn end of Croyland Gardens

Leader of Wellingborough Council, Cllr Martin Griffiths, said: “I’m proud that we are continuing to invest in and improve the quality of the parks and play areas in Wellingborough.

"I’m sure that Croyland Gardens will be a popular facility improving the fitness and wellbeing of those using it. The importance of access to good quality open space is particularly important in these challenging times.”

The works, to be carried out by Wollaston-based Timotay Landscapes Ltd, is as a result of a review of Wellingborough town centre carried out in 2018, that identified potential areas which could be enhanced to create a well-connected, green town centre.

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In a nod to the gardens once being home to Wellingborough Zoo, Area one, the zoo park play area, will see the installation of an asphalt path leading from the new entrance being created to the zone from the Tithe Barn. In addition to current play equipment more items will be added with a new safety surface and benches.

Drone's eye viewDrone's eye view
Drone's eye view

Five Wells - area two, wills see the existing flower beds replanted the five wells to create a sensory garden incorporating six stone animal sculptures being carved by Moulton College Stone Masonry Department as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) project.

A path will be extended to the Five Wells and benches added to create seating areas.

The area near the brook towards Doddington Road, Area three, will see the construction of a new path with sleeper steps to guide visitors down the steep slope.

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The zone will be a real treat for recreation-loving families with wooden trim trail play equipment and picnic benches - funding for this scheme has been secured through the council’s own capital funding programme.

The trim trailThe trim trail
The trim trail

Between the 1940s and 1970s, Croyland Gardens was the home to lions, tigers and bears as Wellingborough Zoo opened to the public in 1943. The zoo exhibited monkeys, lions, panthers, a baby elephant and a giant tortoise and even penguins.

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