Applicant: Castlemilk Environment Trust
Location: Castlemilk, Glasgow, Scotland
Grant awarded: £250,000
Grant programme: Public Parks Initiative
Type of heritage: Designed landscapes
Benefits: Increased community use and involvement and conservation benefits
Background to the project
This project involved the conservation and restoration of the historic features of Castlemilk Park, formerly the gardens of Castlemilk House. The park area includes a historic bridge, the relics of an ice house and stable block, as well as ancient woodland. The park is of vital importance to local residents as it forms a significant open space within a densely populated area. The project restored the historic features of the park before they fell into further disrepair and installed features to protect the landscape as listed below.
Re-instatement of the historic approaches to the former Castlemilk House.
Enhancement of the physical environment, including a category ‘B’ listed building.
Creation of an environment capable of supporting environmental education
Creation of safe areas for leisure use and play Reinforcement of links between areas for recreational and practical use
Regeneration of the natural environment and encouragement of wildlife and revitalisation of woodland
Provision of opportunities for employment growth.
The project also supported the post of a Community Parks Officer. The post involved working with volunteers, co-ordinating an events programme, and working with schools, community groups and outside agencies. The following works were carried out under the project.
What difference did the project make?
Castlemilk Park is located in a Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) area of Glasgow; its restoration was part of a wider regeneration strategy for Castlemilk. The involvement of local residents was important to the success of the project, not least to develop ownership of the park and combat vandalism. 7 training places were created for Castlemilk residents as part of an apprenticeship programme. This included a partnership with the local economic development agency (CEDA) to help manage the training programme for two 18-24 year olds and five 24 year old plus clients. This element was important for European Regional Development Funding.
How did the project meet our criteria?
Involvement: seven training places were created as part of an apprenticeship programme
Conservation: the historic features and original planting of the park were restored. Glasgow City Council will take over the maintenance of the park in the longer term
Access: visitor numbers to the park have increased threefold. The Community Parks Officer co-ordinated an events programme to involve local schools, community groups and work with volunteers
Useful tips
Heritage Lottery Fund would expect applicants to have carried out a survey of the historical features of the designed landscape. In a project of this scale, the long term management of the park is an important factor. Applicants need to sign a ten year contract with us for the duration of the project and also be able to demonstrate acceptable future maintenance for the park. In this case the maintenance of the park was taken on by Glasgow City Council Parks Department.