Heritage plans near D-Day

Plans for a £500,000 restoration of Radcliffe’s heritage are getting close to completion.

Bury Council and its partners are to submit a final application for funding to the Heritage Lottery Fund in mid-February 2013.

The project aims to enhance the ancient core of Radcliffe by upgrading the land aroundRadcliffeTowerand the formerParishChurch, and to continue wide ranging improvements toClosePark. The project is being developed through working with the local community, schools and other partners.

Residents can view the master plans at Radcliffe Library and at the ranger base in ClosePark. Comments are invited by the end of November: comments can be made at the exhibitions or by email to m.dunne@bury.gov.uk.

The proposals have been extended in discussion with the Heritage Lottery Fund and through community participation and consultation. Subject to funding approval, the main elements of the project are:

• Restoration of the 15^thCenturyRadcliffeTower, archaeological excavation of the tower site and the creation of a heritage garden.

• Repairs to the Lych Gate, railings/gates and paving at St Mary’s Church, and creation of a memorial/peace garden.

• Removal of sediment from the goyt and repair of the goyt walls, bridges and parapets.

• Upgrading the sensory garden, and creating a community orchard and allotment.

• The creation of new and improved habitats to encourage a greater variety of wildlife

• Works to support theForestSchoolproject where children can receive out of classroom learning, and where volunteers can improve the area and learn a range of skills

• Extending the area of paths to support access and opportunities for exercise, adding to the fit-tastic project.

• Improving access to and the environment of the riverside.

• New interpretation, information and signposting to tell the story of the area, and explain its heritage and habitats.

The scheme is the result of working with the Friends of Close Park, local schools,SalfordUniversity, the church representatives, and local councillors. In recent monthsBuryCollegehas come on board and is developing teaching programmes for students based on the project work. There will again be volunteering and training opportunities when the project takes off in the New Year.

ENDS

Press release issued: 14 November 2012.

Picture attached: The community dig, held during the summer.