Improvement Works at Williamson Park
As one of the district’s most treasured landmarks, Williamson Park is woven into the daily lives of our community. To ensure this special landmark is fit for the future, Lancaster City Council is investing in a major programme of improvements.
These works will modernise ageing infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and make the park and its facilities more efficient, accessible and resilient. By embracing cleaner, greener technology, we will be ensuring that the park continues to thrive long into the future.
Please find below the most up to date information for visitors of the park, however if you have any further questions please contact us via williamsonpark@lancaster.gov.uk
Decarbonisation Project
As part of the council’s commitment to achieving net‑zero carbon emissions by 2030, significant improvements will be carried out to modernise heating systems serving both the Grade I listed Ashton Memorial and the Grade II listed Butterfly House.
The ageing gas boilers currently in use will be replaced with high‑efficiency air‑source heat pumps, along with upgraded radiators, improved building management systems, and extensive underground service upgrades.
Alternative Heat Ltd, the council’s delivery partner, have created a compound on the footprint of the former park café, which is now being cleared following its demolition. These works are scheduled to run until June 2026, but we will ensure that visitors are still be able to enjoy the park during this time. Construction areas will be safely managed, with clear signage and minimal disruption wherever possible.
Butterfly House & Mini Zoo Improvements
Whilst the mini-zoo was closed, we have been working on lots of improvements, enhancing both the visitor experience and the habitats for our animals. In the cave and guinea pig areas, new features and artwork bring a fresh new feel, while the butterfly house has been brightened with additional flowering plants to better support and attract butterflies. A new chrysalis tank has also been installed, helping to improve hatch rates, alongside a newly added tank within the butterfly house itself. Elsewhere, enclosures for meerkats, marmosets and rabbits - as well as the cave interior - have all been given a fresh coat of paint, and new fencing has been introduced around the mammal area to improve the environment and safety.
Animal welfare has remained a key focus, with fresh grass turf laid for guinea pigs and rabbits, along with new homes, tunnels and shelving to enrich their spaces. The mammal pond has been rebuilt, with plans to introduce a small waterfall using reclaimed rocks, and the zoo has welcomed new additions including grass rats and cave fish.
Behind the scenes, significant infrastructure work continues, with the old heating system now removed as installation of a new system progresses. Ongoing support from the Friends of Williamson Park, who tend the zoo garden every Thursday, ensures the setting continues to look its very best.
Café Concessions Covered Seating
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The Pavillion Cafe and shop was forced to close in 2025 due to irrepairable storm damage to the building infrastructure, with food and drink concession huts being installed as an alternative refreshments offer, located at the bottom of the Ashton Memorial steps.
We know that one of the major issues to follow from the closure has been that people are unable to sit undercover while enjoying refreshments from the new café concessions. To resolve this issue, a marquee has been installed at the front of the café huts.
This arrangement is under regular review by park staff to ensure it remains suitable throughout the works. Discussions are continuing about the potential replacement of the café and we hope to be able to share more information soon.
New Lift for Ashton Memorial
A new service lift has been successfully installed in the Ashton Memorial.
The lift will provide improved disabled access to the ground floor, making the building more accessible for all visitors.
Weddings and Events
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The team are working closely with contractors to ensure no work will be undertaken during wedding bookings in the Ashton Memorial.
To discuss exisitng bookings, or make enquiries about hosting your wedding at Williamson Park, contact our Wedding Co-oridnator via williamsonpark@lancaster.gov.uk or call 01524 33318.
Further information around wedding pricing and facilities can be found here.
Williamson Park Lodges
The council is working with a developer seeking to bring the two iconic Lodges at the two main entrances to the park back into use.
The expectation is that these will be utilised as boutique apartments offering visitors an opportunity to stay in the surroundings of the beautiful park setting.
Further announcements will be made in due course.
