Opening of Coronation Gardens

A garden, originally created for the Queen’s Coronation, has been extended in time for next year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The new Coronation Gardens in Oxford Street, Kidderminster town centre were officially opened on Saturday 19th November. The celebrations got underway at 2.00pm with live music and the official opening at 2.30pm. The gardens feature a colourful psychedelic paving area based on 1960s artwork. There is also ornamental shrub planting, trees, a turfed area and wild flower meadow areas. The gardens also retain the public artwork which celebrates the musical history of the town. The unique project is part of Wyre Forest District Council’s ReWyre initiative and the authority’s Parks and Green Spaces Section has worked with West Mercia Probation Service and other local organisations to transform the gardens. 

Councillor Paul Harrison said, “I am really pleased to see the new Coronation Gardens. They are original and striking and enhance the town. By working with other organisations, such as the probation service, the District Council has been able to deliver more with fewer resources and improve the area for the whole community. 

Sue Meekings added, “The Probation Service has been involved with projects all over the Wyre Forest and our thanks go to them for their hard work, which has been of great benefit to the entire community”.

Offenders on the Community Payback scheme carried out the labouring to pay back for the crimes they have committed. On average 4 to 8 offenders have been working on the site each week. Among the jobs they carried out was extensive landscaping to prepare the ground, laid and repaired paving, built walls and undertook planting. Many of the materials used in the gardens have been recycled from other parks. The bottles have been donated by the Boars Head pub which has also been involved in the project. During the event the Boars Head Gallery was also opened. This is a new local gallery and art space.