Work begins on £4m project to improve Springfield Park
Work has begun on a £4m project to improve Springfield Park.
The work will see historic Springfield House restored, a new playground introduced to the park, improvements to existing play facilities, a new community and events space, workspace created in the park’s old stable block and improved landscaping across the park.
The restoration project is funded by a £3.3m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, £20,000 from the Historic Houses Foundation, £250,000 from the London Marathon Charitable Trust and £725,000 from Hackney Council.
Before applying for funding, the Council asked park users for their thoughts on what improvements they would like to see and developed its plans in partnership with Springfield Park User Group.
A key element of the new design is to restore the stable block and replace the derelict glass houses with a new community and events space. The stable block will host small local businesses and the community space will host birthday parties, events and weddings. Any income from these buildings will then be reinvested back into maintaining the Park.
Work is expected to be completed by Autumn 2020.
We’re delighted to be getting underway with the Springfield Park Restoration Project, which has been informed by the local community, who wanted to see the park’s history and character protected during the project. This exciting project will see Springfield House restored to its former glory, park facilities improved and a new community space which will generate income towards maintaining the park. I’d like to thank our partners for their help in delivering the project, and local people for their ideas. I can’t wait to see work completed to the park, which will ensure people can enjoy the history of the park for years to come.
Springfield Park is a significant part of Hackney’s heritage with the park and its landscape a place of ecological importance. It’s the National Lottery’s 25th birthday this year and in that time, players have raised £7.9 billion for the UK’s heritage, including Springfield Park which is set for an exciting future with people and communities at its heart.
The Trust is delighted to be supporting the London Borough of Hackney’s Springfield Park Restoration Project with a grant of £250,000 towards improved play facilities, including a brand new under 8s play area. For many children, play is a natural route into physical activity, and the new facilities will help to provide high quality, exciting play opportunities for local children and families to enjoy in a beautiful green space.
Springfield Park officially opened as a public park in 1905, and was formed from the grounds of three private houses, including Springfield House, which remains today. It is one of the borough’s 27 Green Flag parks and green spaces.
Residents can keep up to date with the restoration project at www.hackney.gov.uk/springfield-park.