Norwich’s most historic parks and open spaces are set to benefit from a significant £216,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The funding, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will support a comprehensive project aimed at surveying and analysing 22 of the city’s most cherished parks and green spaces, paving the way for long-term investment and conservation efforts.
Parks included boast rich histories and significant heritage designations, such as Grade II* Eaton Park and Waterloo Park, and the country’s first non-conformist cemetery, Rosary Cemetery.
Norwich City Council, who is responsible for managing the city’s parks, will also contribute a further £10,000 to the project which will explore:
- long-term protection and conversation,
- opportunities for restoration and enhanced visitor experiences,
- community views on the parks, working closely with volunteer groups who support them.
By proposing a strategic green space network, the initiative will emphasise heritage, biodiversity, and community involvement, aligning with Norwich’s ambition to become a 'Nature City'.
Surveys will cover both the obvious and hidden heritage of each site, focusing on restoration and reinterpretation to ensure sustainability and visitor enjoyment
The project, which will take place over the next 12 months, will also include feasibility studies, appraisals, and community consultations to define achievable goals and necessary steps for long-term success.
Councillor Emma Hampton, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for parks and open spaces, said: “We know how much the city’s parks mean to our residents, and are committed to protecting their heritage and maximising their potential.
“This investment will allow us to understand the full potential of these spaces and ensure their long-term future for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.”
The grant marks a continuation of Norwich’s successful history with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, following significant funding for the restoration of Waterloo Park and Eaton Park 25 years ago. This new project aims to revisit and secure the future of all historic parks in the city.
The full list of parks included:
- Waterloo Park (II*)
- Eaton Park (II*)
- Earlham Park (II)
- Mile Cross Gardens (II)
- Wensum Park (II)
- Heigham Park (II)
- Chapelfield Gardens (II)
- Ketts Heights (within a Conservation Area)
- Mousehold Heath (including Britannia Barracks Park) (within a Conservation Area)
- Rosary Cemetery (II*)
- Earlham Cemetery (II)
- James Stuart Gardens (within a Conservation Area)
- Riverside Walk (within a Conservation Area and several adjacent listed buildings)
- Pilling Park (within a Conservation Area)
ENDS
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on X/Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund
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