£3m National Lottery pitch to transform Longford Park

Trafford council will pitch for £3m in National Lottery funding to help transform one of the area's most famous and popular public parks. The council’s executive has approved the bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the restoration of Longford Park.

The park, a designated conservation area, was owned by John and Enriqueta Rylands who lived at Longford Hall and who also built Stretford Public Hall. Plans include the proposed development of a new learning, training and volunteering hub in the park’s historic long barn and improved sports and recreational facilities including a new BMX course and revamped sports courts.

The council, along with partners the One Trafford Partnership, also plan for the redesign of features such as the former Longford Hall site and gardens, a revamped Pets’ Corner, the re-opening of Longford Brook, plus new footpaths, seating, lighting and multi-media interpretation.

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The bid also includes funding for two new members of staff responsible for delivering a programme of events, activities and community engagement to broaden the park’s appeal and impact.

Trafford recently submitted a planning application for the wide-scale transformation of the park – the borough’s largest at 54 acres. Match funding of around £1m towards the work has already been secured through planning contributions from the local area, plus cash from the council’s own budget.

The proposals have been developed in conjunction with consultants The Environment Partnership (TEP), The Friends of Longford Park, City of Trees and the One Trafford Partnership, made possible by development grant funding