Improvements to town centre landmark get under way

Work has started in Bury town centre on an improvement scheme which will restore Kay Gardens and Kay Monument to their former glory. 

The improvement scheme will bring back the character of the gardens, improve the townscape quality and support the definition of a significant Grade II Listed monument.

Planned work includes the following:

• Protection of the better quality species of trees.
• Removal of outgrown trees with abnormal or restricted growth.
• Safeguarding the existing architectural and historic quality of the monument.
• Cleaning and application of appropriate protective coating to the monument.
• Protection of the monument steps from skateboarders by the use of stainless steel nibs.
• Opening up the gardens with more light and air movement.
• Introduction of smaller ornamental trees in key locations.
• Provision of attractive and well maintained sustainable planted areas with feature spot plants.
• Reinstating and repairing the grassed areas, lamp posts, benches, paved areas, fencing and bins.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “When people arrive by bus and tram, their first impression of Kay Gardens is a little sad when compared to its former glory. I hope that in the near future Kay Gardens will be a much greater credit to Bury and to John Kay.”

Works at the gardens will involve the removal of some trees but only those which have outgrown their environment with restricted and abnormal growth. The size and number of trees in the garden will be reduced to increase the level of light and to reduce the rapid return of green mould growth which contributes to the deterioration of the Grade II Listed Monument. 

The improvements will take place during March and April and will be externally funded from the sponsorship of green spaces. 

The Kay Gardens area is supported by Bury Soroptimists who volunteer to help keep the planting beds and paved areas clean and tidy which complements the work of the council’s workforce.

ENDS

Press release issued: 12 March 2013.

Note to editors: The gardens and monument were first opened in April 1908 following the building of a new market hall in 1901. Located in open space created from the former market place, the gardens and monument were commissioned and paid for by Henry Whitehead, a local mill owner. 

Kay Monument is Grade II Listed and a tribute to John Kay who was born in Bury in 1704. John Kay was most famous in Lancashire as the inventor of ‘The Flying Shuttle’. The monument was designed by Bristol architect William Venn Gough who had become known in Bury through his work on the Grammar School. 

Kay Monument is Grade II Listed with its original listing dating back to 1985. The monomer is an ornate Italianate octagon on a base of seven steps, with horizontally rusticated based sandstone, re-used from the old market. There is a main stage of eight red granite ionic columns under tabulated framed panels depicting looms, except on one side bearing a medallion of Kay. The dome is Portland stone encircled by a balustrade surmounted by a bronze figure of fame and surrounded by smaller bronze figures of agriculture, engineering, mining and weaving.

Picture attached: Kay Gardens in times gone by.