Brambledown Landscape Services Ltd have completed a £2 million HLF Funded Parks improvement project intended to restore a prestigious Northumberland Park to its Former Glory. 

In a project backed by Heritage Lottery “Parks for People” grant funding, alongside Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council to the tune of £2.9 million, Brambledown Landscapes, based in The North East of England, began the task of bringing Hirst Park Northumberland back to its former Glory.

The £2 million HLF Park project took approximately 12 months and saw new landscaping, a formal garden modelled on the original Hirst Park sunken garden lost in the mid-20th Century, a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), Play Area, Tennis court resurfacing, a Horticultural Training building, footpaths and an outdoor water play feature amongst many other exciting improvements.

Built in 1915, the community facility is where the Charlton brothers (Jack & Bobby) first played and trained as youngsters – as did their cousin, Newcastle & England footballer Jack Milburn. However, the park has fallen into decline over recent years. 

Further HLF & Northumberland County Council funding ensured that the Flower Park was rejuvenated and landscaped by Brambledown, a new play area and splash pad developed and greenhouses and buildings restored to provide much improved public spaces. New training facilities in the form of a half-million pound new building for the community, to be operated in partnership with Northumberland College, was also built by Brambledown Landscapes. 

Once revamped by Brambledown Landscapes Ltd, The 100-year old park will host an annual Charlton & Milburn Cup tournament so that local youth groups can follow in their footsteps. 

The National Lottery funding allowed play facilities to be enhanced considerably by Brambledown, with water play features reintroduced, and the colourful floral displays, that the park is so fondly remembered for, also be revived.   

A Brambledown Director said “This funding will provide a fantastic Park for local residents in Ashington Northumberland, and Brambledown Landscapes are very proud to play such a vital role in the restoration of another Heritage Lottery Funded Park Project”. 

This isn’t Brambledown Landscape Services first HLF Park restoration, following on from Walker Park in 2016, Barnes Park, Ropner Park and many others over the past 48 years. 

“This exciting project will further enhance and protect the park, and its heritage, for the community for the next century and enable generations to play, learn and relax in this wonderful space.”