Stockbridge celebrates opening of Queen Elizabeth II Park
Stockbridge residents celebrated the official opening of Queen Elizabeth II Park on Wednesday, 3 April, following a major community-led transformation supported by the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
The project, driven by Stockbridge Parish Council, received a grant of £12,168.56—covering 75% of the cost of the improvements—which helped turn the town’s only central green space into a welcoming and peaceful park for everyone to enjoy.
With the support of Test Valley Borough Council, which administers the REPF locally, the Parish Council took on responsibility for the site and led the project with the aim of strengthening community ties and creating a calming, accessible space for residents and visitors alike.
As part of the design process, the Parish Council partnered with Sparsholt College, inviting students to create landscape plans for the space. Residents were then invited to vote for their favourite design at a dedicated community evening, with the winning student design brought to life over the following four months. The project was also supported by local suppliers including Longstock Nursery.
Councillor Ian Jeffrey, The Worshipful the Mayor of Test Valley, who officially opened the park at the community event, said; “This project shows what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared goal. It’s been brilliant to see students involved, residents having their say, and now the town has a beautiful space to show for it. The new park is a tribute not only to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II but also to the community spirit of Stockbridge.
“This is exactly the kind of project the REPF was designed to support—one that delivers long-term benefits for rural communities and brings people together. We’re proud to work with local parish councils to make ideas like this a reality, and I’m so pleased to see how this space has been transformed.”
The Rural England Prosperity Fund is funded by the UK government. In Test Valley, funding is awarded by the borough council to rural projects that clearly demonstrate a positive and lasting impact on their local community.