Priory Park history
This page gives you the park's history and the background and key documents to the Priory Park restoration project which was completed in 2008.
- Priory Park History Timeline shows you all the different stages in the house and park's history - Priory Park History Timeline (PDF document)
- Local Priory Park History website - visit this website for more information on the history of the park.
A joint vision
In 2000 a Historic Landscape Survey raised awareness of the heritage potential of Priory Park. However, the survey also highlighted that the fabric of the Park had been in decline, over many decades. It was recognised that many of the issues raised could only be addressed with significant extra funding.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council joined with Surrey County Council to develop a joint vision statement that would allow parallel work to take place on restoring the Priory building and park.
Public consultation in 2002 and 2003 endorsed the project aims and encouraged both Councils to commit financial resources to the restoration project.
In October 2003 the Borough Council submitted a stage 1 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. After a lengthy assessment process, the Heritage Lottery Fund approved stage 1 and granted funding to allow development work to be undertaken for a full application.
Heritage Lottery Fund
In October 2005, after significant public consultation, detailed research and design work, the stage 2 application was submitted.
In April 2006, the Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed that the application had been successful and a grant of £4.2 million was awarded.
The delivery phase of the Priory Park Restoration and Enhancement Project started in early 2007.
Aims and objectives
- the enhancement of Priory Park
- stop the decline of the fabric of the park
- to restore the park back to its 18th Century heyday.
General interest documents
Plans and design documentation
Short film
Short film about the Restoration project (YouTube website). Please note this clip is hosted on YouTube (website). If you have trouble viewing it you are best looking on their site for advice.
Contact
For further information about Priory Park, email the Priory Park Officer Peter Jones on PrioryPark@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.
Last updated : 18/01/2011
