Bolton town centre's first park in more than a century has been awarded for its design excellence six months after it officially opened to the public. Elizabeth Park, named in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, first opened to the public in March this year just opposite the new market food fall on Ashburner Street. The town’s first new park in 120 years has now been named Project of the Year at the annual Civil Engineering Contractors Association North West Awards.
Council deputy leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman said: “Elizabeth Park is a vibrant green space and a wonderful community asset for residents and visitors alike and it is great to see this recognised on a regional level. “Well done to all those involved who brought this vision to life.” The space is Bolton's first new park for 120 years (Image: Bolton Council) The award was presented to Bolton Council and contactors Bethell.
The park was created over the site of the old Odeon Cinema on Ashburner Street and was part of wide-ranging plans to regenerate the town centre. These included the plan for new housing at the old bus station on Moor Lane as well as the recent expansion to Bolton Market with the new food hall. The site had previously been vacant for many years with the Odeon having screened its last film in 1983 before becoming a Mecca Bingo Hall, which closed in 2004.
It was then demolished in 2007 and laid empty before plans to convert into a park with lawns, a performance area, paved area, seating and picn.