How we aim to repair and improve the Hunstanton Heritage Gardens
The project
In June 2016, The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded funding towards a £1.3m project to restore and enhance Hunstanton’s Heritage Gardens. The project was jointly funded by us, the borough council (26%), and the grant from HLF (74%).
The project focused on Hunstanton's seafront gardens which are made up of:
- the Green, a large triangular open space near the town centre, sloping gently towards the sea
- the Esplanade Gardens with its colourful flower beds and play areas
- the open Cliff Parade above the famous stripy cliffs, with three Victorian shelters and the ruins of St Edmund's chapel
You can download the site plan of the area. This can be found at the bottom of the page.
Green spaces were central to the vision of the town's founder, Henry L'Estrange Styleman Le Strange, for a purpose built Victorian resort. They are still greatly appreciated by locals as well as the many visitors to the town.
The project ensured the comprehensive restoration of this important seaside park. And it offered respect and celebration to its natural heritage. Capital works and a wide ranging programme of activities will educate, inform and inspire existing and new audiences, while achieving a high Green Flag Award standard.
The project has carried out repairs to:
- the 'Butterfly Shelters' (see image below showing what the shelters will look like)
- the town cross
- town sign
- bandstand
- shelter to the south of the Green
- the cenotaph
- flood memorial
- toilet blocks
- the Edwardian pavilion (formerly incorrectly called Victorian)
- the fountain
- three Victorian shelters on the cliff top
- the 13th century remains of St Edmund's chapel
In addition, a number of the garden beds have been improved and replanted. Most of the path network has been resurfaced, and lighting, benches and railings all renewed. The play area and crazy golf course will be relocated and improved.
New interpretation throughout the gardens and a programme of activities will help people appreciate and understand the history of the area, the geological importance of the cliffs and its value for wildlife.
The details of the proposals were prepared by Wynne-Williams Associates, Landscape Architects. They can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
Project progress
Blakedown Environment and Leisure were appointed to work alongside Wynne Williams Associates Landscape architects to carry out the planned enhancements to the gardens and shelters within the project area. Work commenced on site at the beginning of February and completed in September 2017, following some delays to the project.