The biggest transformation of Clissold Park in more than a century is about to begin following the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund's (BLF) announcement of a £4.46m grant, with the total cost estimated at £8.9m.

Plans for the park include:

. restoring the Grade II listed Clissold House

. restoring a section of the New River

. extensive maintenance to the two park lakes

. renovating the animal enclosure

. creating a new play and wheels park area

There will also be other improvements to enhance the overall appearance of the park, and the project should take around 18 months to complete. 

Key phases of the project:

Jan 2010. Setting up of site compounds and hoarding; protection of trees in work areas; and construction of haul routes. New temporary contractor site access from Church Street, Lakes and Northern Boundary

Feb - May 2010. Draining, wildlife relocation, de-silting of lakes, repair of lake edges and new planting.

Feb 2010 - Feb 2011. Construction of drainage and barriers to contain silt from lakes which will be used for landscaping.

Feb - July 2010. Construction of new aviary, butterfly dome, pathways and animal shelters.

Feb - June 2010. Refurbishment of bowling pavilion including new public toilets and landscaping of surrounding areas.

May - Nov 2010. Draining, de-silting, excavation New River extension and construction of new bridge and pond dipping platform. Installation of new pumping and water circulation equipment.

Sept 2010 - Feb 2011. Construction of new Multi-use Games Area and Wheels Park; landscaping and extension of play area.

Feb 2010 - Jan 2011. Other site-wide works including repairs to foot paths, restoration of the old pump house, tree works and landscaping.

 Temporary Cafe. In the second week of January 2010, Clissold House and the Clissold Cafe will close in preparation for the commencement of restoration works. During this period of work, a temporary cafe will operate from the bandstand area next to the playground and tennis courts, and will offer a comprehensive hot and cold menu.

 We will keep you informed of all developments on this website. Let’s fervently hope it doesn’t degenerate into another Clissold Leisure Centre debacle. Given the amount of planning and effort that’s gone into the project, however, that does seem unlikely. Congratulations to Hackney Council and all involved for finally getting this show on the road.