A Quarry Bank park could be in line for a £1.5m cash boost thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund grant.

Dudley Council is working with Friends of Stevens Park and other community groups to progress the bid for Stevens Park, which has passed initial stages and has been awarded a development grant to progress the second stage bid.

The second stage is set to be submitted in February 2018, after the feasibility plans have been developed for the project. This will be the third successive park improvement project in Dudley borough after the successful completion of restoration projects at Priory Park and Mary Stevens Park.

If successful at round two, the money could be used to make a number of improvements including the restoration of the Whitehouse building on Park Road, to include a community cafe and community meeting space, as well as work to the park’s bandstand and entrance features. It would also pay for the development of a horticultural training project, heritage interpretation around the area, path improvements, bio-diversity improvements and school and community activities. Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environment, said:

“We are thrilled that the first stage of our bid has been successful and we will be working closely with the friends and other community groups to progress it further.

“Dudley Council is committed to maintaining our valuable parks and green spaces and this injection of cash would certainly help us to preserve and restore the much-loved aspects of Stevens Park.”

Ros Kerslake, HLF’s chief executive who speaks on behalf of HLF and Big Lottery Fund, said: 

“Public parks play a vital role in our health and well-being. With this investment from people who play the National Lottery, there’s real opportunity for a rejuvenated Stevens Park to deliver huge benefits to the whole community.” 

The community organisation Muddle Together CIC is also working in partnership with the council in developing the bid. For more information on the bid, click here.