A £210,000 revamp of historic Edgar’s Field Park in Handbridge has been officially opened by Chester’s Lord Mayor Cllr Neil Ritchie and MP Stephen Mosley.

The recently completed project has created a challenging, interpretive park for adults to enjoy and a play area for children and was one of only eight schemes to be funded by WREN from 160 applications nationwide.

The relocated play area has been designed using the parks topography in a fun way, leaving more open space for informal use with a variety of new equipment.

This was designed using natural materials based on themes from the history of Handbridge and Edgar’s Field and has been set off by renovated planting, some new trees and improved seating.

A highlight of the new play area is a three dimensional mosaic by international commissioned artist Gary Drostle, designed with the help of Queen’s Park High School Year 11 students.

Cllr Richard Short, executive member for culture and recreation and local Overleigh member, said: “A great deal of consultation has taken place with local people to reach this fantastic conclusion.

“Edgar’s Field Park has a rich heritage – it was once the site of a Roman quarry and is home to a Roman shrine to the goddess Minerva. Part of the park is designated as a Regionally Important Geodiversity site.”

Mr Mosley said: “I would like to congratulate Friends’ of Edgars Field who have helped to drive this project forward over a number of years.

“The new facilities look absolutely fantastic and I hope they are enjoyed by all of Handbridge’s residents.

“I’m pleased to have made my own small contribution as a founder member of the organisation in 2004, and I will continue to support local residents throughout Chester in my capacity as Member of Parliament.”

The park design respects the sensitive historic environment and the schedule ancient monument of Minerva’s Shrine whilst creating a park for the modern day.

Roman Soldiers will honour Minerva’s Shrine with a torch-lit parade as part of the official unveiling.

The entrance to the park has been given a facelift with a tall information sign to welcome residents and visitors.

New railings respect the original design which were removed during the Second World War. The railings are bespoke, have been traditionally made and feature cast-iron salmon, to reflect the fishing heritage of Handbridge.

The scheme has been funded by WREN, a not-for-profit organisation that awards grants to community projects on behalf of Waste Recycling Group under the Landfill Communities Fund, as well as Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Friends of Edgar’s Field Park.

Peter Cox of WREN said: “This project combines a prime location greenspace with heritage and play.

“This is a potent mixture and worthy of its status as a national winner of the WRG Communities Challenge. I am very pleased that the finished project vindicates the selection of this project against so many other bids.”

Mike Snell of the Waste Recycling Group said: “We are really pleased that this project has come to fruition and that we have played a part in making this happen.

“To have such a valuable open space, so rich in historical significance and close to the city centre, preserved in a way that everyone can enjoy is a real success story for all of those involved.”

Edgar’s Field was given to Chester by the Duke of Westminster in 1892. The park is named after King Edgar, who in 973, is supposed to have been rowed up the River Dee by eight British princes.

The Friends of Edgar’s Field Park have supported the project and have worked hard.

Steve Rogers of Friends of Edgar’s Field Park said: “We are really pleased with what has been achieved and the pleasure it has clearly brought to the many more children that now use the park as well as their parents and grandparents.

“We don’t intend to rest on our laurels. There are plenty more things that need doing to Edgar’s Field Park to bring it up to the really high standard that Handbridge residents deserve.”