Green light given to plans to restore historic bandstand in a Worcester park
Worcester City councillors have backed the plan which would see the refurbishment of the Grade II listed bandstand in Gheluvelt Park
An historic bandstand which is said to be in “one of the most beautiful parks in the city” is to be restored to its former glory.
Worcester city councillors have made the “no-brainer” decision to back the refurbishment of the structure that's Grade II listed in Gheluvelt Park.
At a meeting on Thursday (December 11), members of the city council’s planning committee were told the “charming timber bridge” needed to reach the bandstand is beyond repair and will be replaced.
Property manager Mark Sherwood said the bandstand itself “is in relatively good condition”.
A long-lost bronze plaque and the bandstand’s original gate will be reinstated as part of the work and a pull-out metal drawbridge that forms part of the wooden walkway will also be used in the restoration which aims to stay as close to the bandstand’s original design as possible.
Councillor Andrew Cross said: “This is something that’s sorely needing to be tackled.
“I’m very much encouraged by the detail in this application and I think while we can do this sort of thing, we should.
“It would be a loss if we didn’t act.”
Councillor Ed Kimberley said: “The park is one of the most beautiful parks in the city and it’s got some fierce competition for that honour.
“It is one of our Green Flag parks, it is well used by residents across the city. It would be a real shame were to let it down or be allowed to fall to rack and ruin.
“Bringing it back into full use seems like a bit of a no-brainer really and the plan seems really very robust.”
Deputy planning chair Pat Agar said: “This is an excellent project. It will enhance the bandstand and safeguard it for quite a long time into the future. It’s an important part of the park’s heritage.”
Arboretum ward councillor Hannah Cooper had previously said she was “excited for the bandstand to be restored to its former glory” and would like to see it open in time for the summer.
Gheluvelt Park itself is also a Grade II listed war memorial park.