Refurbishment

Funding Support

The important  Stage 1 funding bid for Silloth Green was written by Liz Sutton of Ruby Tiger in 2008.

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Chris Burnett Associates subsequently devised the landscape proposals and wrote the Conservation Management Plan.

The Stage 1 Plan for the Green was submitted to  Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Parks for People Programme.’  and the bid was confirmed in April 2009. At that time, 2009, confirmation of a Stage 1 HLF pass meant the HLF money was earmarked for the project. Second stage proposals were requested to firm the proposal up.

Following a competitive process, Southern Green were commissioned to Prepare Stage 2 proposals in August 2009.

In 2011, funding from Heritage Lottery was granted towards the major renovation.

Massive thanks are due to Ruby Tiger, for the important first stage pass, Southern Green for firming up the proposals, also Jane Alexander, the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Monitor, and Nick Herepath, HLF North West for support throughout the renovation process.

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The Rural development Programme for England (RDPE) Leader Programme provided funding towards access improvements and the Pagoda renovation.

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Major works on the Green resulting from all funding included the following:

  • Restoration of the iconic Victorian pagoda
  • Restoration of the Edwardian ladies’ toilets
  • Restoration of the 1950s rose garden and ornamental shrubberies
  • Reinstatement of a putting course
  • The development of a new water play area and small events space
  • The development of a woodland play area
  • Construction of a new accessible toilet block near the new play areas
  • Improvements to access and circulation
  • Improvements to street furniture
  • The conservation of the landmark pine plantations, including improvements to biodiversity
  • Introducing interpretation of The Green’s rich history and natural history
  • Contribution to a new town garden
  • Construction of a BMX Track (currently in planning)

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Silloth Town Council were central in overseeing the build, working in partnership with the ‘Economic Development Unit at  Cumbria County Council,’ who provided a Project Manager, Jason Dixey, to be responsible for completing the works in liaison with the Town Council. In depth support and attendance at monthly steering group meetings came from members of Silloth Town Council, in particular Cllr Bill Allison and Cllr Graham Wilkinson, and Wendy Jamison, Town Clerk, who  played a large part (often behind the scenes); also Ruby Tiger and the Silloth Regeneration PartnershipBritain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria (formerly West lakes Renaissance), Allerdale Borough Council and North Allerdale Development Trust.

 

Additional Support

The work was also supported by: E3 EcologyHall & PartnersFiona Green Garden HistorianMosedale GillatRay Hopper AssociatesSINE and BDN. Much gratitude  to everyone involved in refurbishing Silloth Green and making it such a great place for local people and visitors alike .

 

Green Flag Award

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Volunteers from Friends of the Green have worked collaboratively with Silloth Town Council and staff, i.e. the Park Wardens, the Parish Clerk and the Community Engagement Officer, to achieve a Green Flag Award for 2013-2014 and again 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.  The coveted award is a benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK. It recognises that the Green meets the extremely high standards set by Keep Britain Tidy.  Flying over the Green, the flag guarantees a welcoming place, clean, well-maintained, safe and secure. It also illustrates that  the Green is being managed sustainably and pays attention to the conservation of the natural and built environment. Community involvement is extremely important in reflecting civic pride and ensures the Green meets the needs of local people. The Green Flag team in Silloth will continue to work towards achieving the Green Flag Award annually.

 

Cumbria in Bloom Awards

In 2015, the Cumbria in Bloom special category Continental Landscapes Trophy was awarded jointly to the Community Garden and the new Heritage Rose and Bee Garden on Silloth Green. In addition these two gardens were individual winners in the Britain in Bloom Royal Horticultural ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ Category, each gaining a Level 5 ‘Outstanding’ result.

 

Volunteering to Help

Volunteers always needed to help with litter picking, weeding and generally supporting the  Council’s Grounds Maintenance Team to ensure the Green stays in top notch condition. Please get in touch with Friends of the Green if you wish to support their work.

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