Member Article

Cross Flatts Park in Beeston receives over £100k for regeneration project

South Leeds community group, Friends of Cross Flatts Park (FOCFP), have secured over £100k for the transformation of the Watsonia Pavilion in Cross Flatts Park, Beeston.

Cross Flatts Park is one of the premier green spaces in South Leeds and has undergone extensive regeneration in recent years. FOCFP has spent the last 10 years actively fundraising and applying for grants in a bid to improve the quality of the park and has initiated many clean up campaigns and activities.

Now, having been awarded a grant of £60k from the Caird Peckfield Community Fund and £39k from Leeds City Council and local Area Committee, as well as £11,600 from their own fundraising efforts, FOCFP has raised £110,600 in order to upgrade the Pavilion and turn it into a hub for live performances and cultural events.

Community charity, Groundwork Leeds, which focuses on regeneration and environmental initiatives, is leading the project, which should be completed at the end of April. Work has already been accomplished on the adjacent Millennium Garden, new paving was installed and the seats refurbished. Groundwork has worked with FOCFP for two years, helping them apply for this funding and strengthening the partnership between the friends group and the Council.

Al Garthwaite, Secretary for FOCFP said; “We’re delighted to have secured this level of funding, it’s very unusual for a ‘friends’ group to obtain such a significant amount. We’ve been fundraising for 10 years now, and consulting with the local community to work out exactly what’s needed in the park. Not only will this make-over offer lasting social, cultural and environmental benefits to our community, it will also make the park a sought out destination for those living further afield.”

A canopy extending from the front of the Watsonia Pavilion will enable performances to take place even in wet weather, attracting an array of artists all year round. An extensive area of green space for playing and picnics will also be available.

Councillor, Angela Gabriel, commented: “The Councillors on the Inner South Area Committee are delighted to be contributing funds to this project. The refurbished Watsonia Pavilion will provide a great facility and venue in the middle of Cross Flatts Park. We hope even more local groups will use it and continue to bring the park to life.”

Groundwork Leeds and FOCFP are also working in partnership with Beeston and Holbeck Ward Members, LCC Parks & Countryside, LCC Corporate Property Management, Beeston In Bloom and the Inner South AMT to complete the project.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Janie Readman .