Boost as Haigh Woodland Park gets cash for equipment

One of the borough's best-loved open spaces looks set to host more big events after securing a cash boost to buy high-tech new equipment.
Keith Bergman from Inspiring healthy lifestyles with Karen Lawrenson from Lancashire County Council and Karen Guest from Wigan Council at Haigh Woodland ParkKeith Bergman from Inspiring healthy lifestyles with Karen Lawrenson from Lancashire County Council and Karen Guest from Wigan Council at Haigh Woodland Park
Keith Bergman from Inspiring healthy lifestyles with Karen Lawrenson from Lancashire County Council and Karen Guest from Wigan Council at Haigh Woodland Park

Haigh Woodland Park has received £10,000 to go towards purchasing marquees, lighting rigs, audio systems and other such technical kit.

It is hoped that the funding pot will allow even more high-profile events such as food and drink festivals and Christmas markets to be held at the popular green spot.

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These are likely to take place out of season, ensuring the facility is visited and used around the calendar.

The funding pot comes from the EU’s Leader Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and was secured thanks to a partnership between

Wigan Council and Lancashire County Council.

Keith Bergman, general manager for destination parks at Inspiring healthy lifestyles, the organisation that manages the site, said: “Haigh Woodland Park is one of the North West’s most treasured natural attractions, which is why we welcome near to 500,000 visitors through our gates each year.

“Popular attractions including Adventure Golf, High Ropes Adventure and the Kitchen Courtyard already compliment the 250 acres of beautiful park and woodland, and we are thankful for this funding to help develop a host of exciting new events and activities for our visitors.”

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Recent developments around the courtyard include Haigh Foodie Fridays, showcasing a range of independent producers and street-style stalls, and a spectacular German beerfest.

Haigh Woodland Park was helped to apply for the money by the business growth team at the town hall.

The application was a joint effort with county bosses in Lancashire, who deliver Leader funding on behalf of the Rural Payments Agency.

Leader of Wigan Council, Coun David Molyneux, said: “In line with The Deal for Business, we are committed to working with a range of organisations and businesses, alerting them of what funding is available and supporting them through the application process.

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“Haigh Woodland Park is a fantastic asset for the borough and is a key part of our visitor strategy.

“We look forward to seeing what more fantastic events and activities the park will offer as a result of this welcome funding.”

For more information on activities and events at the site visit www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk.

Companies in the borough wanting to know about how they could be supported by the council’s Deal For Business should visit www.wiganworks.co.uk