Works underway on major improvements at two Preston parks

Works are now underway to deliver major improvements at two of Preston’s much‑loved parks, Moor Park and Waverley Park, following approval for multimillion‑pound investment last year.

Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building, said: “It's great to see work now underway at both Moor Park and Waverley Park. These projects represent a significant investment in Preston’s green spaces and we’re already seeing good progress on site.

‘’While there will continue to be some disruption over the coming months, the long-term benefits for residents will be considerable. These improvements will help protect the parks’ heritage, improve accessibility and provide better spaces for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor activity, exercise and wellbeing close to home.”

Contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering is currently on-site delivering improvement works at both locations, with early progress already being made.

Gavin Hulme, Managing Director for Eric Wright Civil Engineering, the lead contractor on the projects, said: “Breaking ground at Moor Park and Waverley Park marks the start of an important phase in the development of these valued community spaces.

''We are committed to delivering high-quality improvements that will enhance accessibility, sustainability and long-term use, while respecting the parks’ heritage and significance. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Preston City Council and the local community as the projects progress.”

Moor Park Improvements

Moor Park, Preston’s oldest park and a Grade II* listed site, is receiving an investment of approximately £4 million. Preparatory works were completed last year, and the main construction phase is now underway.

The improvement programme includes:

• Extension and de‑silting of the Serpentine Lake, returning it closer to its original Victorian‑era layout
• Reinstatement of a new, historically sympathetic bridge across the lake
• Improvements to the loggia and surrounding areas on the northern edge of the lake
• New tree and shrub planting
• Full renovation of the changing pavilion
• Groundworks to create new wildflower meadows
• Improvements to the south‑east entrance and car park
• Refurbishment of original stonework at the south‑east entrance
• Remediation and reinstatement of football pitches

Works are expected to be completed in Winter 2026. The rest of Moor Park will remain open and accessible throughout the works, with affected areas clearly signed.

Waverley Park Improvements

Waverley Park is benefiting from around £2.7 million of investment and works are now underway following a late April start.

Improvements include:

• A new play area
• Refurbishment of three football pitches
• Installation of a pump track
• Remodelling of the car park, with 12 additional spaces created (32 spaces in total)
• Widening of footpaths and new landscaping
• Demolition and rebuild of the football pavilion (with planning permission already granted)

For safety reasons, Waverley Park will remain closed for the duration of the works, with completion expected in Winter 2026. Alternative nearby parks include Moor Park (1.9 miles), Brookfield Park (1.6 miles) and Avenham & Miller Park (1.8 miles).

To keep residents informed throughout the programme, site notice boards will be installed at each park, clearly showing which works are happening and where, alongside regular updates on progress and timescales.

Both projects are funded by the UK Government through a £20 million Levelling Up award secured by Preston and the Football Foundation. The Levelling Up Fund was designed to reduce geographic inequalities by investing in infrastructure and regeneration, and has since been consolidated into the Local Regeneration Fund.

Waverley Park is also benefiting from additional support through the Fishwick and St Matthews Big Local project, part of the Big Local Trust, which is helping to fund community-led improvements.