WATCH: Historic gates removed as £3m park renovation begins
They were originally modelled on the entrance to Buckingham Palace and now the finely decorated gates at a popular Black Country park will get some tender, loving care as part of a £3.1 million renovation.
The 84-year-old wrought iron gates, which mark the Heath Lane entrance to Mary Steven's Park, Stourbridge, were removed in a painstaking process lasting several hours at the weekend.
The Grade II-listed gates were first put in place in 1931 after the park was dedicated to the people of Stourbridge by Ernest Stevens for his wife, Mary, who died in 1925.
Work to remove the ornate gates, which haven't been modified or removed since they were first installed, began on Saturday morning and workers remained on site until early evening.
The gates will be sent away to be restored and repaired before they are returned to the park in July.
Councillor Heather Rogers, chairman of the Friends of Mary Stevens Park group, said: "These gates are such an important part of the park, which in turn is such an important place for the community.
"As far as I know, this is the first time that the gates have ever been removed completely. They have been an enduring feature of the park since it was first donated to the people of Stourbridge by Ernest Stevens." The gates were removed as part of an overhaul of the park which is being funded by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.
It will also see major areas, such as the bandstand, war memorial and pool, updated – as well as a new cafe and updated benches and railings. "These gates were the trigger behind the entire renovation," said Councillor Rogers.
"It is fantastic to see them finally getting the attention that they deserve."
