Grosvenor Park Takes Centre Stage

One of the city’s best-loved open spaces will be under the spotlight next month when Chester Civic Trust presents ‘The people who made Grosvenor Park’.

On Wednesday 9th April, Landscape consultant, John Dyke, will stage a lecture covering the politics and costs of creating the historic park, which was opened by the Earl of Grosvenor MP in 1867. Designed by Mr Edward Kemp, Grosvenor Park was one of the first public parks in Britain outside of the big industrial cities. The famous park features work by leading Victorian architect, John Douglas, who designed Grosvenor Park Lodge, the boundary wall, the gateways into the park and the canopy to Billy Hobby's Well.

Last week, Chester City Council submitted a funding application to the Heritage Lottery’s Parks for People programme, which if successful could grant between £250,000 and £5 million to rejuvenate Grosvenor Park and its surroundings. Proposals which include restoring historical features, creating new facilities and offering opportunities for training and community participation have all been put forward for consideration with the hope that they will progress to a final "stage 2" bid later this year.

Councillor Eric Plenderleath, city council Executive Member for Culture & Community explained: “Grosvenor Park has an interesting history and is valued by many people. John Dyke is a real expert in his field and has been heavily involved with our funding bid to make sure that the park’s heritage is preserved as part of our proposals to safeguard its future. This lecture offers a one-off opportunity to find out more about how the park was created to provide the people of Chester with somewhere to enjoy the outdoors.”

Peter Bingham of Chester Civic Trust added: "Our members appreciate the way that we have been consulted on the future of this important open space in the centre of our city. We are looking forward to finding more at the lecture about the history of the park and how it might continue to provide much pleasure to all sections of the public in the future."

The lecture is free of charge to members of Chester Civic Trust with a suggested donation of £3 for non-members. It takes place in Grosvenor Museum from 7.30pm on Wednesday 9th April.