New outdoor seating area being created at Queen’s Park café

New paving will be added and the steps will be removed to make the seating area more accessible.

Work is due to start at the beginning of March and is scheduled to be completed in April.

The plans include improved access, a new canopy, landscaping, and furniture.

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, said: “Queen’s Park is at the heart of Loughborough and this investment will make the outside seating area of the café more attractive to visitors.

“The Living Loughborough project is all about improving the town centre for all, and I am pleased this next element will soon be underway.”

An illuminated archway will be added to the café entrance along with additional lighting. The area will also be surrounded by new shrub and flower beds. 

New paving will be added, and steps removed to make the seating area level to improve accessibility. In addition, the canopy will offer visitors more protection from the weather.

The improvements are part of the £2.87 million Living Loughborough project which is being led by Charnwood Borough Council, in partnership with Love Loughborough BID.

Loughborough Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund and is backing 11 projects, which in total are worth more than £40 million of investment for the town.

Queen’s Park Café is part of the Charnwood Museum building which is owned by the Council. The café is operated by Holly Kirkland.

The Council is working with Holly to minimise disruption to the café and its customers while the work is carried out.

The café will be open Wednesday to Saturday between 10am-3pm during the improvement works.

Customers will be able to access the café through Charnwood Museum while the café entrance is closed to facilitate the works.

Holly Kirkland, who operates Queen’s Park Café said: “I’m looking forward to these improvements to the outside seating area of the café. It will refresh the look and feel of the area and the canopy will also mean customers can sit outside come rain or shine.

“I would encourage customers to continue visiting and supporting the café during the improvements and to follow us and the Council’s social media for the latest updates.”