What does the project include?

View the Arboretum Masterplan (PDF 462KB)

The full extent of the proposed improvement work to the park is illustrated on the Arboretum Masterplan.

The HLF restoration scheme includes a lot of elements which together, will mean big improvements for the Arboretum.

New Visitor Centre

A new Visitor Centre will be built close to the Centre Green. The design includes the restoration and re-use of one of the oldest buildings within the park. Within the Visitor Centre there will be a café, an education room and meeting spaces, changing for water sports users, an information point and offices for park staff.

Bandstand and terrace

The Bandstand will be restored to its 1920’s glory. The terraces will be re-graded and improved to provide a high quality open-air performance area, set against the beautiful back drop of Hatherton Lake.

Boathouse

This is a listed structure and the project includes careful restoration of this important lakeside building. Once restored the Boathouse will be used by the council’s watersports team to support their canoeing / sailing activity.

Recreation area

The existing tennis courts along the northern boundary of the Arboretum will be refurbished and we’re also proposing to upgrade the existing bowling facility and ladies Bowling Pavilion (former lido cafeteria).

Young people’s area

This will be a purpose designed space, custom built for the Arboretum (adjacent to the children’s play area) to include a multi use games area and small skate park.

Hatherton Lake

Access to the lake will be improved for water sports users, with the restoration of the Boathouse. Lake edges will be restored and improved and the proposals include improvements to lake edge planting which will give greater access to the lake edge and greatly improve the appearance of the lakeside.

Entrance areas

Each of the main entrance areas is to be improved. Planned work at the Clock Tower which is the prime entrance to the Arboretum includes the creation of an attractive open space with new signage and seating areas.

In addition, work is also proposed to:

Re-design the former tea garden area
Landscape the old tennis court terraces (off Arboretum Road)
Provide new seating and bins – throughout the park, and
Open views through the park including views to Deep Pond

What other aspects are there to the project?

As well as the items listed above, there are a range of other important components which will contribute significantly to transform the Arboretum. These include:

Tree management and tree work

Although it is known by name as an ‘arboretum’, the park was not designed and planted as an arboretum, nor has it been specifically developed as one since. But the Arboretum is best known and loved for its trees and green space, right at the heart of the town.

Careful tree management will be required as part of the restoration project. Our aim is to improve the health of the mature trees, remove those which are diseased or dying or have been poorly located in the past. Planting replacement trees is an important part of the project as is making sure the younger trees in the Arboretum are able to thrive. Tree works will be carried out by specialists who recognise the needs of wildlife including bats and birds.

Footpaths

Many of the footpaths within the Arboretum need attention. The project includes undertaking some quite significant repairs which will be followed by resurfacing in some areas.

Planting / horticultural improvements

Choosing the right plants for the right places within a site is an important part of the landscape design process. Planting can provide impact and a focal point in its own right or complement and enhance other landscape features. Through the restoration programme we will be carrying out the following horticultural improvements:

Developing seasonal planting to give all year round interest
Reducing over mature borders
Introducing new under storey and low level planting
Enhancing the range of species
Developing marginal planting along the stream
Retaining and enhancing a range of environments across the park
Reducing maintenance by protecting areas prone to damage and avoiding use of vigorous species

Furniture, interpretation and signage

Improving the footpaths will improve the accessibility of the park. This will also be helped when signage and interpretation have been improved. We will improve the signage within the park to enhance the overall visitor experience.

Art

We’re considering a number of opportunities for art installations including sculpture trails and mosaics within the Arboretum and our proposals will be developed over the coming months.

This page was last updated on 09 December 2009