Asset type
Park and Garden - Park
Local Listing Reference
LLHA0054
Conservation Area (CA)
No CA
Description
The Preston tithe map (c.1840) shows the area of the park and recreation ground as open land; Port Hall and its associated mill are the nearest buildings on Dyke Road. By the time of the first OS map (c.1870), the railway line had been constructed and a further windmill and the Windmill Inn (now Dyke Road Pub and Kitchen) had been constructed to the north. The area of the park contained a number of small wooded areas, but for the rest remained open. This situation remained, with development spreading on all sides of the park, but the distinctive triangular piece of land remains open on the c.1890s OS map, apart from one enclosed plot in its southwest corner (identified as a nursery on the c.1912 OS map). The c.1912 map shows the whole area in use as allotment gardens.
The present layout is established by the time of the c.1930s OS map. This shows the Grammar School (BHASVIC) at the corner of Old Shoreham Road and Dyke Road, with the remaining space divided between the Recreation Ground and Dyke Road Park. The park opened in 1924, and its design is shown in some detail on the c.1930s OS map. The layout of paths, formal gardens, café, bowling green (now open air theatre) and tennis courts shown on the map largely still survive. The cafe has however lost its distinctive thatched roof, which has been replaced by timber shingles.
Source: Middleton 2002
A. Architectural, design and artistic interest
i. A good example of a public park of this period, which incorporates elements of particular design interest.
C. Townscape interest
ii. Not within a conservation area, the space contributes positively to the streetscene and character of the area as a whole
F. Intactness
i. Much of the original design of the park remains, including its café building, tennis courts and rose gardens.
Recommendation
2015 (Park building previously included)
