Work has begun on the new refurbishment of Bute Park’s historic West Lodge.
The well-known landmark, located on Castle Street opposite the Holiday Inn hotel, will soon boast a traditional tea room, outdoor seating area, small gift shop and improved surrounding landscape area. It will also provide additional public toilets within the park.
It is hoped the new facility will be completed by Easter 2012.
The development is part of the £5.6m Bute Park restoration project which is supported by a £3.1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
West Lodge was designed by architect Alexander Roos and was completed in 1863. It was known as an ornamental gatehouse as part of the third Marquess of Bute’s long term plan to develop the estate.
It was originally set back from the road and flanked with curved entrance walls for a more stately appearance. This curved entrance was lost due to the widening of Castle Street in the late 1920’s.
When first constructed, the lodge consisted of a living room, kitchen and scullery on the ground floor and three bedrooms above.
Frederick Willis the Lodge Keeper was known to live there in 1881 with his wife Leah and their three daughters Emma, Beatrice and Jessie and in 1901 members of the Willis family still lived in the home.
In 1947 it formed part of an 11 acre gift to the Catholic Church by the fifth Marquess of Bute.
The West Lodge gateway is now the busiest of the ten pedestrian entrances to the park.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “West Lodge is an important historical part of Bute Park and the new restoration work will mean members of the public can enjoy this unique facility.
“The park plays an important part in the history of Cardiff and is an invaluable recreational space right at the heart of the city. When completed West Lodge will be an asset to the park providing many new opportunities.”
Jennifer Stewart, Head of HLF in Wales, said: “The refurbished West Lodge will provide a perfect place for local people and visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Bute Park, while safeguarding this historical building.
“Bute Park is such a vibrant green space that plays a crucial part in the daily lives of Cardiff’s residents, and this latest development is a great addition to the overall visitor offer.”
The Bute Park restoration project aims to improve physical and intellectual access to the park, provide visitor facilities and conserve its historical features and landscape.
Improvements have already included the restoration of the Animal Wall, the Summerhouse Kiosk refreshment facility and the recently completed Education Centre, which is due to open to the public on Thursday 27, October 2011.
The work on West Lodge is being carried out by ISG Pearce Ltd. They are the Council’s framework contractor and have been involved in a number of high-profile projects, including the recent restoration of Cathays Library.
