Sport and leisure
Walsall Arboretum at 150: showcasing its historical buildings
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Walsall Arboretum is set to mark its 150th anniversary this May and Walsall Council is shining a spotlight on the historical buildings in this iconic green space, which includes the Clocktower and Bandstand, two of the best known of the landmarks in the arboretum.
The arboretum opened in 1874 during Queen Victoria’s reign and it will mark its 150th anniversary on Saturday 4 May 2024. Events to mark the occasion will include a free celebratory festival. Find out more using this link: www.go.walsall.gov.uk/parks-and-green-spaces/visit-our-parks-and-play-areas/walsall-arboretum
“ The historical buildings in the arboretum are not just structures, they are evidence of our town's historical evolution over the years.
These buildings have stood the test of time, and they tell the story of the arboretum's development and the visionaries who shaped it into the beloved green space it is today. As we celebrate the arboretum's 150th anniversary, I want to invite everyone to come and visit and appreciate this very special green park that has helped preserve our natural treasures and held our community together through the years. “
Walsall Arboretum’s historical buildings
The Clocktower
Visitors entering the Arboretum are greeted by the Clocktower. Built in Victorian style in 1873 with a redbrick exterior and a pointed slate roof, it initially served as one of the two entrance lodges. The two lodges were built at a cost of £1,405, the main one known as the Clocktower and the other one opposite Butts Street was intended as a private entrance. The Clocktower originally had no clock faces, but these were added later in 1886 by the Mayor of Walsall. Today, the Clocktower not only serves as a timepiece but also as a historical landmark within the park.
The Bandstand
The timeless structure was first erected at the cost of £105 in 1873. It was later reconstructed to a modernised structure in 1899 on the site of the present bandstand. It is now a popular spot which hosts major concerts and events such as the summer bandstand programme in Walsall. Click here to view image of the first bandstand.
The Visitor Centre
Opened officially in 2015 as an offshoot of the Arboretum’s restoration programme, the visitor centre is located adjacent to the centre of the Arboretum, the facility has features including a cafeteria which offers tasty cakes and good launches at reasonable prices, baby changing facilities, a meeting room, offices toilets and a place to sit back and relax with friends and family.
The Boathouse
Erected beside the Hatherton lake in 1873 at a cost of £270, the Boathouse’s design complements the Arboretum's natural beauty, creating a picture of serene elegance. An exploration by divers of Hatherton Lake found springs at the bottom found a submerged mineral railway in Hatherton Lake. Springs beneath the lake needed constant pumping to prevent flooding which has led to constant operation of the pumps near the Boathouse till this day.
Joseph Leckie Sons of Rest
The Joseph Leckie sons of rest building originally known as the new Pavillion, was constructed in the 1902. Designed in a grand Victorian style, its architectural features, including red brickwork, decorative mouldings, and large sash windows. The building was used for offering refreshments and changing facilities. To accompany it, tennis courts and bowling greens were built on the northern side of the building. It was renovated in 1936 to become the Joseph Leckie Sons of Rest, a social club for retired older adults.
Watch the video below to view the historical buildings in Walsall Arboretum
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Notes to Editors
About Walsall Arboretum
Walsall Arboretum is a rural retreat at the heart of Walsall town centre. First opened in 1874, it now spans 170 acres and includes Hatherton lake, the country park and the extension.
The site attracts over a million visitors a year, with people of all ages enjoying events such as the annual bonfire and fireworks, funfairs, fun runs and activities such as: cricket, tennis, bowling, informal football, walking, cycling, and running. The Saturday parkrun attracts hundreds yearly.
Home to 10,000 different species of trees and shrubs, a report published in July for the Ancient Tree Inventory revealed that the Arboretum boasts the highest concentration of ancient and veteran trees in the entire region.
In summer, the splash pad and children’s play area also attract thousands of visitors. With a trim trail, skatepark and multi-use games area there really is something for everyone.
Find out more about Walsall's parks and green spaces here: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/parks-and-green-spaces
