The regeneration of a much-loved green space in Watford has taken a significant step forward with the installation of new gates at the entrance to the park.

The new gates at the Rickmansworth Road entrance to Cassiobury Park have come from the old gatehouse, which has been laid out in cobblestones.

Pleached hornbeams – affectionately known as the “lollipop trees” – mark the formal gateway to the two main avenues.

The £6.6 million project begun in February, starting with the construction of an eco-friendly hub building.

Watford Observer:

An aerial view of the new echo-hub, which will include heritage and exhibition centre, changing rooms, toilets, and a café

So far the bandstand has returned to Cassiobury park and the Edwardian Café Cha has been restored to its former glory.

Watford’s elected mayor Dorothy Thornhill has inspected the work, which was carried out by Borras Construction.

She said “So far this year we’ve seen Watford’s bandstand re-opened in Cassiobury Park after extensive renovation, and the Cha Café restored to its Edwardian glory.

"The money the council is putting into this beautiful park – alongside the Heritage and Big Lottery funding – is really paying dividends now. I’m looking forward to next Spring when the Hub and the paddling pools will be opened to the public.”

The park is open as normal during the works. The money for the restoration has come from lottery grants.

What’s left to do before Spring 2017?

• Start December 2016 - heritage trail complete (points of particular interest: the Mill and the Cassiobury House signs)

• Sunday 11 December – Santa comes to Cassiobury. Carols in bandstand, sleigh rides for children 

• 21 December 2016 – Cassiobury Through the Years exhibition starts at Café Cha

• Monday 13 – Friday 17 February 2017 – Behind the scenes at the Hub 

• Friday 17 February 2017 – Cassiobury Through the Years exhibition ends – to be moved to the Hub

• Spring 2017 – Hub building finished and paddling pools open to the public