A park in Blackburn, parts of which have fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years, is set to benefit from £750,000 in regeneration funding.

The transformation of Corporation Park is one of many projects across the town and borough that will share an impressive £20 million from the new Levelling Up Partnership with the Government.

The cash is the latest injection of investment Blackburn with Darwen has received to renovate and rejuvenate the borough.

This is just days after it was also revealed that funding has been secured from Historic England to support plans to restore the park’s historic conservatory.

Lancashire Telegraph: Councillors and officials by the Conservatory in Blackburn's Corporation Park Councillors and officials by the Conservatory in Blackburn's Corporation Park (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

The tennis courts at the park are also set to be transformed in the coming weeks too, with £45,000 secured from the Lawn Tennis Association through its Parks Investment Programme.

According to Councillor Quesir Mahmood, the council’s deputy leader and executive member for growth and development, the park has declined due to “huge budget pressures and austerity” over the last decade.

He said: “For generations, Corporation Park has been enjoyed by residents and visitors to Blackburn.

“Indeed, there’s a fascinating report from its grand opening in 1857 that says 60,000 people turned out for the ceremony, with shops closing at noon and workers being allowed home early to join in the celebrations.

“Today it remains a traditional, Grade II listed Victorian park that is registered by English Heritage as having special historic interest, and it’s still incredibly popular.

“Sadly though, with the huge budget pressures the council has faced due to austerity over the last decade, we’ve seen the park decline, against all of our wishes, so this new funding is very much welcome.

“We’re now in the process of finalising our business plan with the Government for how the £750,000 will be spent at Corporation Park and can’t wait to be able to announce more details about the difference it is going to help make."

At the beginning of March, it was announced  Blackburn with Darwen Council had successfully secured £20m of new Levelling Up funding – taking the total to £125m.

King George’s Hall. The Exchange, Imperial Mill and Tony’s Ballroom are also set to receive investment from the funding.

Cllr Mahmood said: “The way councils are funded has changed considerably and so successfully securing the funding on the level we have in the last 12 months is incredibly important to our borough and a real testament to our reputation of delivering.

“As a council, we’re focused on the issues that residents tell us are important to them – with parks and playgrounds always high on the agenda.

“I was really pleased to be at the official opening of the new playgrounds at Witton Park recently.

"By using funding from new homes in the area, it’s the most we’ve ever spent on playground upgrades in the borough and the response has been fantastic

“Thanks to strong financial planning, in our recent council budget, we were also able to commit an extra £1.7m for things residents tell us matter to them, including funding for park attendants, more playground upgrades, and shrub pruning.

"This is exactly what residents want us to do when we get elected.

“We’ll keep building on this as best we can and make the most of every single penny we secure.”

At Corporation Park, visitors can enjoy a busy playground, multi-use games area, cycle tracks, bowling greens and scenic walks.

There’s an active Corporation Park Supporters Group made up of volunteers helping to protect and improve the quality of the park for the community to enjoy.

The group’s chair, Nicola Beswick, welcomed the new £750,000 funding, and said: “This funding gives us the opportunity to address some of the long-term maintenance issues to ensure existing features in the park can be enjoyed in future years.

“Equally it gives the chance to create new features that can both better serve our diverse local communities and attract new visitors from near and far.

“Even with funding the park faces many challenges."

Corporation Park Supporters Group is looking for volunteers who are keen to get involved. Anyone interested can email: info@corporationparksupportersgroup.com