The charity which runs Greenwich Park has secured a "transformational" £4.5 million grant for an exciting new project to enhance and modernise the 590-year-old site.
The Royal Parks Charity has received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery Community fund for its extensive 'Greenwich Park Revealed' project.
The World Heritage site receives around five million visitors a year, but with footfall predicted to soar, the project aims to help the park cater to a growing and diverse local population for the generations to come.
The charity says that with 69 tall buildings in the planning pipeline for Greenwich, the iconic park will be an "even more crucial asset in the heart of the city" in the coming years.
Greenwich Park Revealed will "future-proof the ancient park for generations to come," with the project's first goal being to return the eroded landscape to its 17th century glory when the Giant Steps led up to the Observatory.
A state-of-the-art, eco-friendly Learning Centre will be built in an underused service yard, providing a community hub offering learning and wellbeing experiences through training, learning, volunteering, events and activities.
Overlooking the historic deer park, the centre will incorporate a new cafe, inclusive public toilets, meeting places and information points.
The project will also aim to provide better access across the park for people with disabilities, including investment in a mobility scheme, and enhance the park's wildlife offerings as well as improving sustainability.
The Royal Parks chief executive Andrew Scattergood stated: "Thanks to National Lottery players, we will now embark on the biggest project in The Royal Parks’ history.
"‘Greenwich Park Revealed’ will protect, enhance and uncover the hidden gems of this iconic World Heritage Site, future-proofing this ancient park for the millions of local, national and international visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”
Mr Scattergood warned that centuries of footfall have taken a toll and without urgently-needed restoration, the park "would become irreparably eroded and we would lose a gem in our national heritage."
“From a cluster of ancient 6th century tombs to some of the most spectacular Baroque landscaping, Greenwich Park is a living museum rooted on the shores of maritime legend."
The Royal Parks charity, along with other funding partners, will also be funding the project, bringing the total investment o £10.5 million.
Graham Dear, Park Manager, Greenwich Park, said: “Greenwich Park’s incredible history and stunning natural environment is right on the doorstep for millions of people. The much-loved park provides a tranquil green oasis where people can relax, get away from the hustle and bustle of densely-populated South East London and delve into the park’s rich history.
“We’re putting the community at the heart to deliver more arts and culture events, build a new learning centre, and a new café, and uncover the park’s incredible stories, ensuring this park is truly for the people.”
To find out more about the project, visit royalparks.org.uk/gpr
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