Works Progress In The Arboretum - Update

The third phase of work on the Restoration programme which included the refurbishment of the park’s historic Bandstand and Boathouse, conversion of the former lakeside cafe to a shelter and the refurbishment of the former lido cafeteria to a Clubhouse for the Ladies Bowls Team was completed in April 2012.   The Boathouse will be used to support sailing and canoeing activities to be delivered on Hatherton Lake by Walsall Council’s Outdoor Pursuit’s Team (transfer to the Arboretum to take place once the Visitor Centre is completed) and the bandstand will be available for hire during the summer period.

Phase four of the programme – the landscaping of the entire historic core of the park is nearing completion with the majority of work scheduled to be delivered by the end June 2012.  Work completed so far has included:- Footpath repair and resurfacing and creation of new footpaths, repair of historic boundary walls and brook course bridges, entrance improvements, extensive planting and landscaping of ‘redundant’ areas of the park to bring them back into use (old Nursery site adjacent to the Park Tavern and old tennis courts of Arboretum Road), refurbishment of the park tennis courts and creation of new decking platforms on Hatherton Lake and Deep Pond.  During May, new bins and benches will be installed across the site.  We would like to thank park users for their patience as the work programme is being delivered and hope that the improvements to the park are appreciated as the summer period approaches. The final phase of work – the building of a park visitor centre is due to commence in 2013.

Louise Harris - Project Manager