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WORK BEGINS AT COASTAL PARK

Work has begun this o­n the second phase of the transformation of the Lower Leas Coastal Park.

The six-month project - supported by a £1.4 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant - will see the creation of formal and semi-formal gardens, spring and summer meadows, the restoration of woodland and the refurbishment of historic features like the rustic bridge and The Vinery and restoration of cliff paths and steps.

The current car park o­n the Lower Sandgate Road will be reclaimed for a pedestrian boulevard and gardens and space will be created for ‘art in the park’ performances and displays.

The transformation will build o­n the success of the first part of the park’s restoration which includes an acclaimed free adventure playground, 300-seat amphitheatre and enhanced landscaping. 

The new informal gardens, meadows and paths will stretch from the amphitheatre to close to the Leas Lift.

There will be no access to the Lower Leas Coastal Park from Lower Sandgate Road’s eastern end while the work is carried out, although access via the zig-zag path, promenade steps by the Mermaid Cafe or from the Sandgate will not be affected.

The new layout was designed by the council’s in-house design team. Lead designer, Brook Hobbins said she hoped the new area would extend the attractions of the park. “We hope to provide areas for informal recreation as well as semi-formal gardens and exotic plants.�

The work has been scheduled over spring and summer to coincide with autumn planting. “People might wonder why we are doing this work now. But autumn planting will give our plants the best possible chance of survival and we have planned around that,� said Landscape Architect Piran Cooper.