Historic chapel restored in £4.3 million revamp of Lynn's Walks
THE £4.3 million redevelopment of Lynn's historic Walks park is progressing on schedule and set for completion early next year.
A key feature of the project has been the restoration of one of the town's ancient architectural treasures – The Red Mount Chapel.
Work on the building has included the re-roofing of two roofs, one with copper and one with lead, internal repairs to ensure it is structurally sound and a gentle cleansing of the fine vaulted ceiling in the upper chapel.
There has also been a reconstruction of an earlier tunnel through the mount into the lower chapel, providing easier access for the less able.
As the chapel is an important winter hibernation site for the natterers and brown long-eared bats, both protected species, the work has been undertaken between the beginning of May and the end of this month.
Work on the new management building off St John's Walk, which will include new toilets, a caf and a base for a park ranger, is also taking shape while the historic railings around St James' Park have been removed for cleaning, repairs and painting.
A bench rescued from The Walks some years ago is providing further links to the past and is now being used to create a mould for new seating in the park and is typical of the ornate type used in its heyday.
The redevelopment has been funded by West Norfolk Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, which provided a 3.75 million grant for the project.
Councillor Mrs Elizabeth Nockolds, cabinet member for sports, arts and open spaces, said: "It is good to see The Walks redevelopment coming together, with the new management building almost complete and the instalment of the new children's play area about to start.
"I know local people are looking forward to entering the Red Mount after many years of closure.
"Once the improve- ments have been completed, The Walks will be a great benefit to people of all ages, whether it is for a stroll and a cup of tea, for exercise or for young families to enjoy the play area."
The project's other main features include new replica historic entrance gates and footpaths, a new pedestrian bridge linking the recreation field and Vancouver Garden, and a new playground.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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