Funding Secured to Restore Warrenpoint Park

Funding Secured to Restore Warrenpoint Park

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to confirm that plans to restore and upgrade facilities at Warrenpoint Municipal Park will commence following the recent announcement of a funding award of £850,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Recognising the historical importance of the Edwardian Park the Council will also provide significant funding to the project in addition to the HLF funding.

The proposed project of restoration and regeneration aims to enhance access to the heritage of the park by providing a comprehensive upgrade of facilities together with an associated development programme of activities and events for the community and visitors.

Celebrating the award Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Cllr Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “I am thrilled that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has secured this funding. I would like to thank the members of the Warrenpoint Municipal Park Steering Group who worked closely with Council for a number of years to apply and achieve funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People Programme. The joint funding and restoration plans will ensure the heritage of the park is preserved leaving a legacy behind for future generations.”

Martin McDonald, HLF Northern Ireland Committee added, “Our parks are incredibly important as places for play, health, wellbeing and as a connection to our heritage. We are delighted that money raised by National Lottery players is helping to transform this historic park which is so important to the local community in Warrenpoint.” 

Warrenpoint Municipal Park is listed on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest Northern Ireland. In 1902 a Park Committee was set up to examine the creation of a public park in Warrenpoint and in 1906 The Hall Family granted a plot of land to the then Warrenpoint Urban District Council for its creation. The original indenture granting this land is just one of the artefacts this project has unearthed. Treasures such as this will be housed in the current 1930’s Pavilion building which, under the project, will become an Interpretive Centre.

Warrenpoint Municipal Park has a beautiful story to tell. Through the restoration of its fabric and features and capturing of the memories of those who have enjoyed the park for decades, this project seeks to preserve that story.