Heritage gardens poised for £1m makeover

8.22.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 9th Oct 2007

A major £1m restoration of the prestigious Terrace Gardens and Buccleuch Gardens in Richmond will soon spring into action.

The two-year, Richmond Council-funded project is part of the ongoing Parks Improvement Programme and will return the historic gardens to their former glory. Both gardens are listed in the English Heritage Parks Register. The first phase of preparatory work, starting later this month, will lead to improved access for people with disabilities and those with prams and buggies. New furniture will be installed, along with repairs to drainage, walls and masonry and the removal of the disused concrete stage. Phase two starts in spring 2008 when paths will be resurfaced, hidden treasures including the Ice House will be reopened and new signage installed. In autumn there will also be replanting of trees, shrubs and flower beds and the restoration of historic architecture and sculptures. All the work has been carried out with the guidance and consultation of an advisory group comprising residents and local experts, and is due to finish in summer 2009.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "This excellent project will ensure that one of the borough's most important green treasures continues to give pleasure to residents in the 21st century. In recent years the summerhouse and glasshouse have been restored and I am delighted that all the gardens will now be renovated. Our parks department has been in close consultation with local residents to ensure the scheme meets their aspirations. Resident satisfaction with our parks and open spaces is the highest in the country and sustained investment such as this underlines the Council's continuing commitment to this key service."