Type=image;ImageID=2924;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=The restored clock tower at East Park;TitleClass=strong;
The tower has been returned to its former glory as part of the ongoing £1.5 million restoration of the popular Victorian park.
The £100,000 renovation had to be carried out in a sympathetic manner in order to protect the historic stonework, and included the installation of a new clock which has 4 faces and chimes on the hour. The clock tower is the latest element of East Park to be restored. The refurbished bandstand opened in July, at the same time as the park was officially saved for future generations by a legal covenant, while the old mineshafts have also been stabilised.
Restoration work on the lake terrace got underway in September, and work is progressing well on repairs to the main entrances, boathouses and lake bed, the installation of new lighting and further horticultural improvements, all of which are on course to be completed in spring 2014.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "We're making tremendous progress on the restoration of East Park, and the unveiling of the clock tower is the latest milestone to be reached.
"Not only are we very pleased with the work that is taking place, but we recently had a visit from Heritage Lottery Fund inspectors to see how the work was coming along, and they were very happy with the standard of workmanship, particularly on the bandstand which looks fantastic after its restoration."
He added: "East Park dates back to 1896 and remains hugely popular with the people of Wolverhampton to this day; by restoring it to its former glory we're ensuring that it will remain so for years to come."
The restoration of East Park, supported by a £981,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, began in early 2012 and follows a number of other recent improvements at the park, including the installation of a fitness trail, natural play area and multi-use games area, extensive horticultural work and the refurbishment of the pavilion.
- released: Thursday 7 November, 2013