Funding has been released through North Lincolnshire Council for two major community projects in Barton. Projects totalling £745,000 will support improvements in four initiatives at two important tourism and cultural assets in the town.
£387,000 will be provided to Baysgarth House to support continued regeneration of the Grade II-listed Georgian building that is being sensitively restored by a team of specialists. The funding is part of an overall project that will see a relocated museum entrance, a new museum shop, accessible toilet facilities, internal and external refurbishment, restoration of the Park Keeper’s Cottage, which will feature a first-floor workspace and a flexible ground floor community and workshop space.
£303,000 is to be provided for improvements to Waters’ Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre for new outdoor decking and reinstatement of the boardwalk and also funding for exhibition development. The country park is a family-friendly destination that combines nature, education, leisure, and community engagement across 110 acres of scenic parkland that includes:
- A nature reserve: Home to diverse wildlife including rare and migratory birds, reed beds, woodlands, wildflower meadows, and freshwater lakes.
- Walking trails: Paths through picturesque landscapes, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful strolls.
- Adventure playgrounds: Two outdoor play areas for children.
- Interactive displays: Educational exhibits about sustainability and local ecology.
- Wildlife surveillance: Live footage from bird boxes and nature cameras viewable in the centre and online.
£24,000 will support the continuation of the regionally renowned and well-attended Heritage days in Barton.
£50,000 will go towards a £150,000 project to provide new play equipment at Baysgarth Park for young people with additional needs and also for toddlers, pre-teens and teenagers including swings, slides, and a zip wire.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said “I am proud that we are able to keep our promise to keep investing in communities here in North Lincolnshire. These are a number of great projects that will support hundreds of residents and young people to see improved access for heritage, culture, sports and play and community activities.”
“This investment in regenerating Baysgarth House is about more than preserving a building, it’s about investing in Barton’s future to ensure that the building will continue to be a cultural and educational hub for generations to come. As important is the support for the heritage open days that are already making a difference by bringing thousands of visitors to the town.”
“At Waters’ Edge we have an amazing council facility that offers over 110 acres of nature reserve and a visitors’ centre that provides a tourism offer, an education centre and a café for the hungry traveller. This investment in improving the exhibition facilities and outdoor seating will enhance the offer significantly.”
Open seven days a week with free admission and parking, Waters’ Edge is fully accessible and proudly accredited as cycle friendly, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
The investment towards the new play equipment at Baysgarth Park is part of years of continued investment to improve paths and facilities for park visitors and users.
The funding is made available through North Lincolnshire Council’s management of the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund.
For updates and reopening announcements, visit www.baysgarthhouse.co.uk.
For more information and upcoming events, visit www.watersedgecountrypark.co.uk.
