Ipswich Borough Council received a grant of £2.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) for the Holywells "Parks for People" restoration project in July 2012.
The Council submitted the "Parks for People" bid to regenerate one of the town's hidden gems to conserve and enhance the Park's unique heritage as well as provide more attractions for visitors.
The HLF grant was supplemented by funding from the Friends of Holywells Park and by the Borough Council.
Among the improvements made possible by the grant was the renovation of the Stable Block, converting it into a vibrant visitor centre and café with an education area and function room. The conservatory has been refurbished and turned into a multi-function area that can be used for exhibitions, talks, meetings, functions, etc. The existing walled garden now has a performance area that is being used for small scale theatre, dance, school and community groups. A new toilet facility and kiosk selling light refreshments is now provided adjacent to the play area.
Other areas of the park that have been improved are:
The funding will also enable a series of events and activities to take place within the park that will encourage its increased use by a wider and more diverse audience.
The links below are to documents that were submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund to support Holywells Park 'Parks for People' bid.
A Holywells Park Travel Plan has been produced in response to the development of the park to ensure that the park is accessible to as many people as possible.
The Final Evaulation Report documents the improvements made possible at Holywells Park due to the award from Heritage Lottery Fund.