Funds being raised to save the historic John Nield Conservatory in Stamford Park have already topped £2,500.

As we reported last week, ‘The Save Stamford Park Conservatory Group’ is spearheading a major £10,000 fundraising effort with the aim of securing, rebuilding and ultimately re-opening the iconic building for an array of educational and well-being uses for the public.

The initial funds will pay for professional experts to assess and guide the group through the rebuild costs so that it can be rescued and run in the most sustainable way.

The move follows initial plans by Tameside Council to demolish the conservatory, announced in 2019. But that decision was met with a community backlash and the council has since agreed to consider a community asset transfer.

Chair of the group and fundraising organiser Jane Whittaker said: “We launched our GoFundMe account last month and we are excited at raising so much in three weeks - it’s phenomenal and doing really well. It goes up daily and every single pound really helps.”

The group has also launched a Facebook membership scheme where members can gain extra information about the conservatory and the projects in the pipeline for a modest fee of £10 a year.

The combined fundraising to date has taken the total donated to the cause so far to just over £2,500.

“Our Facebook group membership is £10 a year which will give access to all the projects we are running at the moment and there are seven of those - so combined with the membership funds we have raised £2,500 so far, so we are very excited,” added Jane.

“We would like to refurbish the conservatory back to its original status and then get it listed again, to ensure it is safe for future generations.

“Obviously we’re definitely going to maintain the hot house and the banana tree which has survived because it is so fantastic.

“But we want to open it up to all other groups as well, like mental health groups, educational groups, and different age groups.”

A protest outside the conservatory back in July 2019 attracted many local people 

As part of the campaign, Quest Media Network - incorporating your Tameside Reporter, Glossop Chronicle and Tameside Radio - is backing the fundraising effort to breathe new life into the conservatory.

Quest Media Network Executive Chairman Chris Bird has pledged to match fund the campaign - donating £5,000 when £5,000 has been raised by the group.

He stated: “The conservatory is not only an important heritage building, it now presents us with the opportunity to create a unique space and attraction for generations to come. 

“Following the last two years, health, well-being, education and community have never been more important. 

“Saving this beautiful location will offer another unique space for the people of Tameside, young and old, as well as providing visitors to our borough to enjoy the many different experiences and opportunities this campaign and the revitalised conservatory will deliver.”

If successful in securing the community asset transfer, the group will set about the task of applying for funding to transform the site. The group estimates the project, from conception to completion, will take around three years.

To support the campaign, head to their Facebook group ‘Save Stamford Park Conservatory’ and search GoFundMe.com for ‘Save The John Nield Conservatory in Stamford Park.’

You can tune into The Reporter Show on Tameside Radio 103.6FM on Thursday (19 August) from 7pm to 9pm to hear more from Jane and the latest on the campaign effort.

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