A celebration to mark the completion of the £3.8million restoration scheme of Pearson Park has taken place today.
On the 160-year anniversary of Zachariah Pearson gifting the land to the people of Hull, a small event saw the Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Wilson, cutting a ribbon at the new bandstand.
The restoration project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, began in 2017 and has seen some of the park’s stunning Victorian features and significant assets brought back to life.
The historic entrance gateway was reinstalled last December, the bowling pavilion has been refurbished and the East Lodge restored.
The Lord Mayor officially marked the completion of the refurbishment by cutting a ribbon on the new-look bandstand. The Lord Mayor is pictured alongside Councillor John Fareham, chairman of the Pearson Park Trust.
A new bandstand has been created and conservatory built, both replicating original designs and a new bridge installed over the lake.
Work also included a revamp of the popular ice cream kiosk with new French doors and windows installed and a pergola with awning to provide shelter built at the front of the existing building.
Alongside construction, new colourful planting schemes have been created across the park and new mature trees planted.
Councillor John Fareham, chairman of the Pearson Park Trust said: “It’s been an incredible three years seeing some of the beautiful features of Pearson Park reinstated and I hope that Zachariah Pearson’s family are proud of the work that has been done to bring the park back to life.
“I thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting this stunning project, as well as council officers for their hard work, and the Pearson Park Trust for their support of my efforts, I am grateful for that chance.
“This small event isn’t quite the scale we were hoping for to celebrate such an achievement, however we are planning for a large public celebration for summer next year.”
The renovated Pearson Park archway.
Speaking on behalf of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, David Renwick, area director north for The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s great to see Pearson Park restored to its former glory. Our local parks are so important for communities as well as wildlife and many also have rich histories rooted in the stories of the places they sit within, and Pearson Park is no different.
“During the pandemic we have seen just how vital our parks are to our health and wellbeing, providing people with peaceful havens to visit and enjoy. Thanks to National Lottery players the project has restored and transformed this much loved park, ensuring it stays at the heart of the community.”
Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, this event was limited to project partners. A public event is scheduled to take place in August 2021.
