New canopy replaces bandstand in town park

The canopy will be used to host outdoor events, the council said

A large new multi-use canopy has been opened in a park in Loughborough.

The structure has been placed in Southfields Park and has replaced its existing, smaller bandstand.

Charnwood Borough Council said the canopy would offer shelter to park visitors and be used to host outdoor events.

Its design includes a central structure along with further covered canopies surrounding its perimeter.

The canopy is one of 11 projects intended to improve the area as part of the Loughborough Town Deal initiative, which is backed by £16.9m of government cash.

The old bandstand has been removed

Council cabinet member Jennifer Tillotson said: "The new structure brings a huge improvement to the park and the surrounding area.

"It will make the open space more accessible for visitors and will mean more varied events will be able to take place."

Loughborough Town Deal chairman Martin Traynor said: "It is important that the Town Deal continues to invest in parks, open spaces and the town centre in Loughborough to attract more visitors, and footfall and this is another example of that."