The Labour Group on Warwick District Council were delighted to learn that the Heritage Lottery Board had awarded the Council £2.8 million, for the restoration of the Grade II listed Jephson Gardens in Leamington. The scheme will include:

• A new restaurant on the site of the former greenhouse incorporating a temperate house.

• Restoration and lighting of many of the park’s historic features including the Hitchman fountain, the Elephant Walk and conversion of the aviary into a refreshment kiosk.

• A Visitor Centre.

• Community Exhibition space in the North Lodge.

• A new sensory garden using elements to stimulate sight, sound, smell and touch.

• Improvements to footpaths including lowering gradients for people with disabilities particularly Mill Walk.

• Restoration of the Boat House and purchase of new boats.

Cllr Cheryl Flanagan, Chair of the Leisure Committee said,

"I am absolutely delighted. This is a result of a great deal of hard work by our officers and follows extensive public consultation about the future of the gardens. It is an enormous award that will enable us to do things that we had been hoping to achieve for many years such as the restoration of the Hitchman fountain and the resting of the café. It is very exciting and we can’t wait to get started."

Cllr Ian Dove, Chair of the Strategy Committee and Leader of the Labour Group said,

"The winning of this award is a major achievement for the Council. It will compliment the work that we have done on restoring the Royal Pump Rooms and one wonders whether we would have stood any chance of achieving the award had we not had the determination to bring the Pump Rooms back into public use. I know that people across the district will be delighted and want to share in our success."