Clifton Park building to be completed

Work on the new 'Garden Building' came to a halt towards the end of last year when the previous contractors went into administration. Now local builders George Hurst and Sons Ltd have been appointed to complete the building and associated Walled Garden and Courtyard, with the work expected to be completed by end of November. (2010)

The development is part of the park restoration project that has been made possible thanks to a £4.5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund through their 'Parks for People' programme. 

The completion of the Garden Building follows the successful opening of the new water play area, refurbished bandstand, memorial garden and rock garden, and numerous other enhancements to Rotherham's premier park.

The Garden Building will contain a new bowls pavilion, space for rangers and gardeners, toilets, and a multi-purpose room for events and activities, school groups and public hire.  The walled garden will be an 'oasis of calm' where volunteers and apprentices can work to recreate the colours and smells of a traditional kitchen and flower garden.  

The building is designed to be environmentally-friendly, with a green roof, solar panels and a biomass boiler.  It combines a contemporary design with traditional materials, including bricks and natural stone, that fit in well with the historic Museum a short distance away. 

The Council's Green Spaces Manager, Phil Gill, said: "Everyone involved in the project is really looking forward to the opening of this excellent new facility.  The park already has a lot to offer, but the Garden Building and Walled Garden will open up important new opportunities to involve local people and to run new activities." 

The Friends of Clifton Park have been enthusiastic supporters of the development. Their fund-raising has helped to pay for the refurbishment of the grade II listed Walker Sundial and the creation of a new mosaic, both of which will be found in the Walled Garden. 

The Chair of the Friends, Elaine Humphries, said: "We are already making plans for events in the new building.  I am proud of the involvement our group has had in this project, and I am sure Rotherham people will be as delighted as we are when they can see the facility for themselves."