Business Partnerships

Opportunities for the business community

" Arts and Business considers Lydiard Park to be a flagship project. It has received the highest investment from the government backed New Partners Scheme for a heritage site. We believe its revival and future plans will assist in the continued regeneration of Swindon and act as a beacon for future investment in the town."

Phil Gibby,Director Arts & Business South West

Partnership in the Lydiard Park Project

The project offers a wide range of interest areas that can match the aspirations of both small and large businesses in Swindon, enabling them to contribute to improving the quality of our local heritage environment and raising the profile and image of the town.

Supporters

This is an achievable project which has been unanimously endorsed by the Cabinet of Swindon Borough Council and vigorously supported by local MPs. The Council's partners in project are English Heritage for whom it is a National Exemplar project, The Countryside Agency who have awarded it National Flagship status and business partners, RWE npower, BMW Group, Intel Corporation (UK) Limited, Halcrow and MAN ERF.

The scheme has been advocated by a wide range of national and local supporters including Swindon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arts and Business, The National Trust, The University of Bath in Swindon, The University of the West of England and The Parks Agency.

A business can become involved through:

• Investment
• Skills and expertise
• Specialist knowledge and advice
• Networks and contacts
• Support in kind
• Volunteer participation for all levels of staff
• Strategic business guidance
• Secondments to the project

Project areas for which partnership investment opportunities exist:

• Restoration of the ornamental lake
• Restoration of the great castellated dam wall
• Restoration of the boat -house and Palladian temple
• Repair and interpretation of the ice- house
• Restoration and bio diversity improvements to upper lake
• Restoration of the large walled ornamental fruit and flower garden
• Restoration of the kitchen garden as a working example
• Creation of cycle route and access to the whole park
• Restoration of historic avenues
• Conversion of 18th C coach house into school/community space
• Provision of attractive interpretive signage
• Replanting lost wood and parkland trees
• Disabled access improvements including paths and seating
• Creation of new childrens' playground
• Variety of smaller scale features

Business partner benefits can include:

• Company branding on Project Literature
• Sampling activities
• Invitations to project events
• Use of Lydiard House for hospitality
• Satisfying volunteer activities eg. stream clearance
• Guided walks and talks by specialists in project related subjects
• In office lunchtime talks and lectures
• Participation in archaeological investigations
• Inclusion in high profile celebratory events
• Family learning days for staff and families
• Appreciation of company and feel good factor
• Use of the park for sporting/activity events

This list is not exhaustive and depending on the level commitment to the project the needs of the business partner would be personally discussed.

For more information on business partnership opportunities, please contact Sarah Finch-Crisp on 01793 770401 or email sfinchcrisp@swindon.gov.uk