Alongside restoring many of the important historic elements within the park, the planned project will create new opportunities for more people from across the community to get involved with and enjoy Cedars Park.

Steeped in history, this magnificent park was once the site of Theobalds Palace and a favoured residence of James I. Queen Elizabeth I also visited Theobalds many times during her reign. The remains of Theobalds Palace are now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and will be fully conserved as part of this restoration.

This project will also uncover more about important history of the site showcasing this alongside the existing historical features through new interpretation and displays. Pathways through the park will also be replaced, opening up the archaeology of the palace and the historic grounds, and improving access for wheelchairs, buggies and less able people.

Work will be carried out to create a new café in existing buildings, which will also provide an education and community meeting room for use by visitors. Local volunteers will be given the opportunity to get directly involved in the project works including the creation of new play features, clearance works and leading historic walks and events.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, said: “We at the Heritage Lottery Fund are pleased to be able to support this project to restore Cedars Park. As the site of Theobalds Palace, this park has significant historical importance, whilst at the same time providing much loved local green space that is enjoyed by people from across the local community. With our support, the team at Broxbourne will be able to ensure that Cedars Park can be enjoyed by visitors for many generations to come.”

Cedars Park was given to the Borough of Broxbourne in 1919 and today offers woodland walks, formal gardens, ponds, pets' corner, an arboretum and a conservation area.

In 2002, the Borough of Broxbourne commissioned new entrance gates into Cedars Park from Theobalds Lane to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee. The gates contain a time line of bronze roundels depicting historical events at Cedars Park.

Notes to editors

HLF is continuing to fund public park projects in 2011/12 with an investment of £20m each year. The next closing date for applications is 31 August 2011.

The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) remains committed to working in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in making a success of the Parks for People programme and will allocate £5million in 2011/12 and another £5m in 2012/13.

Further information 

Roland Smith, HLF Press Office, on 020 7591 6047 / 07973 402 854 or rolands@hlf.org.uk