THE officer overseeing the redevelopment of an ancient Mold monument site has shared her vision for the project as works continue.

After 10 years of planning, preparations and grant applications, the regeneration of Bailey Hill began in February this year.

Workers returned to the site on May 11 after having to put down their tools for more than six weeks due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Jo Lane, Mold Town Council's Bailey Hill project officer, described what the public can expect from the scheme going forward.

She said: "The park is still open to the public but with the main area of work currently concentrated at the entrance and around the Custodian’s Cottage – access to the park is through the Kings Christian Centre and over the temporary constructed wooden bridge.

"Bailey Hill is a fantastic park and great asset for Mold. Therefore, through the redevelopment we want to make the park as welcoming and accessible as possible.

"Previously, once through the gates you would be welcomed with a steep set of steps with no ramp for disabled access.

"The new redesign to the entrance will have a sweeping slope welcoming visitors to the park, where there will be an option of steps or a new switch-back ramp up to the Custodians Cottage.

"Under the redevelopment a two story extension is being added to the back of the cottage and a single story extension (with a green roof) is being added to the side.

"The ground floor of the cottage will become the new Bailey Hill Centre, which will be a multi-purpose community space which will include two small meeting rooms, an office, a kitchen and toilet facilities.

"Through this added facility we are hoping to welcome all visitors, groups, schools, uniformed groups and organisations to the Bailey Hill to make the most out of what the park has to offer.

"The First floor of the building will be converted into a two bedroom flat - this will allow us to be able to let out the residence, as previously was the case with the cottage as a whole.

"All income generated with regards to the Cottage will be re-invested back into the park to help with upkeep and ensure sustainability."

Regarding the inner bailey, Jo said what once was a very well known and used bowling green and is currently a large lawned area will be transformed into a performance space.

She continued: "An intimate space with a paved circular central stage will be created with an electrical access point for lighting and sound.

"Historically (especially on Whit-Monday) the Bailey Hill was used to host many celebrations which included singing, dancing and entertainment and we would like to bring this element back to the park.

"The first celebration will be the launch of the newly refurbished site in spring 2021.

"Prior to the redevelopment work starting there was minimal interpretation on site – in fact, there was only one information board at the entrance to the park which only highlighted a fraction of the history of the site.

"The Bailey Hill Research Volunteers have been working hard to uncover all of the history and mysteries of the site.

"All this work will be used for the new interpretation boards which will be placed around the site and in the new Bailey Hill Centre.

"We are also currently working on a new website for the Bailey Hill - so the information which does not make the boards will be available to view on the new website.

"The new website will also be linked with the North East Wales Ibeacon app too, which can be downloaded on all smart phones.

"We look forward to bringing the history of the site to life."

There will be many opportunities for people to get involved with the new site and the project as a whole.

Roles include research volunteers, visitor volunteers, events volunteers, learning and family volunteers, gardening and site maintenance volunteers, wildlife volunteers and marketing volunteers.

All volunteer opportunities will include training and support from the Bailey Hill project officer.

Jo added: "Volunteering with the project will be a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and more importantly have fun.

"All opportunities will be advertised on our Facebook page and via the website once up and running. If you want to get involved, then please get in touch."

Regular updates will be displayed on an information board just inside of the main entrance of the park as well as on the Bailey Hill social media pages, Facebook: @BaileyHillProjectOfficer and Twitter: @bh_officer.

Funding for the project has been secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, LEADER funding through Cadwyn Clwyd, Tourism Amenity Investment Support, Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme as well as from the generosity and fundraising efforts of the local community and other organisations.