Hotham Park revamp D-Day set for August

The 2.2m restoration of the park into its biggest public open space in six decades is on course for August.

Dozens of workmen are busy implementing the plans to return the former Rainbow's End to parkland.

The result of the work funded by 1.6m from the National Lottery, and managed by Arun District Council, will be to open up some two hectares which have been fenced off since soon after the park of eight hectares was opened in May, 1947.

Visitors to the park can see the difference the removal of the barriers has made in creating a vast new space to be enjoyed.

A new conservation pond is being created in the Rainbow's End location and a bridge built over it.

The existing boating pond is having footpaths installed around it. New mediterranean and winter gardens have been laid out as well.

The area surrounding Hotham Park House and cafe will be reinstated to a narrowed driveway with grass and shrub areas either side.

Tree planting has been completed with a mix of larger-sized specimens and smaller trees, or whips.

Shrub planting was completed earlier this month.June will see final drainage improvements to relieve well-known wet areas across the park.

Drainage channels will be built around the edge of the car park and across the main entrance. Meanwhile, trenching work has taken place for new water and electricity supplies.

The new water main runs from the crazy golf course to the boating pond.

The electricity supply goes from the High Street to the boating pond, passing the bandstand and Hotham Park House.

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