Belle Vue restoration
100 years after it opened, Belle Vue Park was in urgent need of repair because of general deterioration and vandalism.
In 1996 CADW gave the pavilion, conservatories and terracing Grade II listed status and extended this to the gates, gate piers, lodges and tea house in 2000.
The then Newport County Borough Council commissioned consultants to submit proposals to restore the park to the Heritage Lottery Fund. This bid was successful and in 2002 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £1.5 million towards the restoration of Belle Vue Park.
The project began in May 2003 and aimed to retain and enhance the original character and features of the park, providing a green open space catering for modern needs while respecting the historic fabric and integrity of Thomas Mawson’s original design.
A regular programme of events includes concerts, guided walks, outdoor theatre and curriculum linked activities for local schools while the pavilion and conservatories provide a venue for talks, exhibitions, meetings and business seminars.
The restored pavilion and conservatories were given Grade II listed status by Cadw in the 1990s and are the focal point of the restored park. The new facilities were formally opened on 8 September 2006.
Other major works in the park include:
- the restoration of the park gates
- planting of the new garden at the Friars Road Gate, together with a programme of replacement tree planting in the park
- the water supply to the cascade has been restored together with extensive replanting of the area
- new furniture throughout the park
- restoration of the terrace steps
- installation of a replacement fountain
- planting of the Friary Garden
- remodelling of the car park