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Update report on the Holywells Park HLF bid
Back in August 2011, and after a lot of discussion between IBC (Ipswich Borough Council) and FOHP (The Friends of Holywells Park), IBC submitted a bid request to HLF (The Heritage Lottery Fund) for various improvements to and developments for Holywells Park. That bid has been successful at the first stage, and IBC now have funds to allow the initial ideas to be developed further, starting in February after a kick-off meeting with the HLF.
The essence of the bid is:
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to develop, restore, and stabilise for the future, the heritage of Holywells Park
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to foster community involvement with, and participation in, activities relating to Holywells Park
The headline projects include:
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Restoration of the Orangery
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Development of the Stable Block
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Stabilisation of the footpaths
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Water flow & wildlife habitat management
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Garden restoration between the Stable Block & Orangery
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Provision of various educational resources
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Provision of further exercise opportunities, including teenager friendly
All of this is to be managed in a sensitive way:
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in relation to historical development
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in relation to wildlife, both flora & fauna
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to encourage an increase in the use of Holywells Park
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with full involvement of FOHP and other community players
A key element of the bid is an increase in community involvement in relation to the Park. FOHP looks forward to this, and is very willing to offer advice, support and good company, whether one is active in FOHP, other community organisations or directly as an individual. (Please contact Robin Gape in the first instance, see below.)
One anticipates that the development phase will take 3-6 months, after which there will be a further review before the HLF awards funds for the next stage of the project. Assuming that all goes well, the next few years will be very exciting for Holywells Park users, both old & new, IBC and FOHP as the various projects are brought to fruition.
Robin Gape (HLF liaison for FOHP with IBC), 1st February 2012
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