The Victorian Grotto and waterfall on the edge of Miller Park is closed while substantial improvements take place.
The restoration works will include rebuilding and reinstating the grotto rock waterfall and cascade.
To try and reflect the original water feature operation they will install a flood lighting system, provided by The Fountain Company, to provide a colour changing sequence glowing across the decorative rock work. This sounds fascinating. Apparently, this was designed by James Polham, a renowned Victorian designer.
Barriers have been erected around the grotto and pond site while the construction is underway.
The new scheme, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and backed by Preston City Council started in May and completion is planned for July 2014.
We reported back in 2012 that both Miller and Avenham Parks had benefited from nearly £7m worth of improvements and that an underspend meant extra money for planting in the park, improvements to drainage system and work to be carried out at the Grotto including the restoration of its waterfall, ponds and pools.
The picture above, from the Grotto, shows a Basalt rock taken the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland minus the top segment and the metal plaque.
We will be taking pictures and reporting from the opening and hope all goes well.