The Lanes and Links project has been awarded a Town Deal grant of £669,000. It is a comprehensive initiative designed to better connect Loughborough's town centre and Queen's Park. This ambitious plan includes improvements to Old Bleach Yard and Devonshire Lane, which link the park to the town centre via Granby Street car park.
One of the project's most significant features is the creation of the Hope Bell. Cast by Loughborough's world-famous John Taylor and Co Bellfoundry, the Hope Bell will be a lasting memorial to all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic. It will also pay tribute to NHS and key workers. Serving as a beacon of hope for the future, the Hope Bell will remind visitors of how our communities came together to support each other during COVID-19.
In addition to these improvements, the project will see enhanced landscaping and seating around the Hope Bell in Queen's Park, the installation of three CCTV cameras in the park, and resurfacing of 1.7km of pathways.
The project is being led by Charnwood Borough Council and is expected to be completed towards the end of 2024.
An impression of how the Hope Bell will look.