Astley Park

Project:

Astley Park, Chorley, Lancashire

Client:

Chorley Borough Council

Information:

Chris Burnett Associates were commissioned to evaluate effective strategies for regenerating Astley park. This led to entry into the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People scheme and a successful stage 1 bid in 2004 followed by a successful stage 2 bid in 2005, coordinated by Chris Burnett who was responsible for project managing a team of landscape architects, architects, business planners, structural engineers, M&E and hydrology consultants. In April 2005 an HLF grant award of £3.3 million was made and CBA were retained to project manage the implementation of the project. This commenced with phase 1 in 2006 and culminated in phase 4 which was completed end of June 2009. Chris Burnett was the project manager, principal landscape architect and contract administrator responsible for leading the same team of professionals involved in the stage 2 bid through detailed design, presentation to steering group, gaining all relevant listed building approvals and planning consents and ultimately ensuring that the project was delivered to the agreed budget. Some comments from the new cafe’s visitors book in 2010 are listed below together with before / after photographs demonstrating the way in which the park has been improved. The cafe, previously a redundant coach house is now trading profitably.

“Very impressed. Thanks to all who have worked hard to provide such a commendable venture”

“It is beautiful and glorious, Chorley has gained so much from this. A no go area is now something to be proud of”

“The whole family thoroughly enjoyed the experience of looking round. The renovation is fantastic”

“What a vast improvement. Money was never better spent! Perfect exhibition too.”

“Excellent job. Money well spent on facilities. Thanks for the improvements. Well done!”