Belper River Gardens were developed in 1906 by local benefactor George Herbert Strutt, and became a popular visitor attraction. The Gardens adjacent to the River Derwent at the side of the Mill complex, were initially acquired by Belper Urban District Council in the 1960’s from the owners English Sewing Cotton. They transferred to Amber Valley Borough Council following local government reorganisation in 1974.
The centenary of the Gardens has just been celebrated and Amber Valley Borough Council’s Landscape Services Unit has been busy this winter collating a mountain of information for a submission to the Parks for People Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to refurbish the Gardens.
The ‘Friends of Belper River Gardens’, a local community group with a particular interest in the Gardens has been helping, working hard raising awareness and gathering your views about the park. This consultation will be continuing throughout the summer, so if you see someone with a clipboard in the park please spare a moment, we really do need your opinion.
The Council will find out if it is successful and through the first stage of being awarded funding in September. If it is successful, work is expected to start in summer 2008.
The refurbishment will see the promenade, pathways and rockeries repaired, a new play area, and the tearooms returned to their former glory serving hot and cold food.
If you would like to know more about the bid you can view a copy at Belper Town Centre Office, King Street, Belper, Belper Town Council, St Johns Chapel, The Butts, Belper, and Amber Valley Borough Council, Reception, Town Hall, Ripley, or telephone Sharon Thomas 01773 841570
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News release issued by the Council’s Policy and Change Unit (01773 841655)
