Maurice Lea Park, South Derbyshire

Though originally the site of clay pits that fuelled the local pottery industries, Maurice Lea Park was opened in 1930 as a Memorial Park to the First World War, and as a local amenity resource for the residents of Swadlincote.   

In recent years, however, the park has increasingly displayed the characteristics of many urban green spaces that have experienced under investment, abuse and under-use. Security remains a concern of the local population and for this reason evening use of the park has become limited.

Gillespies was commissioned to prepare a landscape restoration plan and a funding submission for the parks restoration to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).  The plans presented a vision for the creation of a dynamic new space that was respectful of the park‘s heritage assets, yet fulfilled contemporary user demands and requirements.  The proposals proved successful and funding from the HLF followed with Gillespies supervising all aspects of the parks restoration.