Donating a park bench is one way you can remember a loved one or make a special dedication
Location
Memorial benches can be placed in many of our parks and open spaces, to commemorate a loved one or allowing members of the public to make a dedication of their choice.
Typical examples of locations are:
- Kingsnorth Gardens
- Cemeteries
- East Cliff
- Radnor Park
Limited availability
- Royal Military Canal
- The Leas
- Coastal Park
- Marine Parade
If you have a particular location in mind please state this on the application form and we will consider your request.
How much does it cost?
New bench
The current fee for a new bench is £1724. This fee includes:
- the bench
- installation costs
- a plaque
- two maintenance refurbishments over 10 years
Duration and maintenance
You can sponsor a brand new bench and plaque for 10 years at a time. Sponsorship can be renewed after this time by completing the renewal application form. Renewing sponsorship costs £891.
If your bench is more than ten years old you will have to re-sponsor it. You will need to complete the application form and pay the fee of £891.
During the sponsorship period the maintenance and reasonable repairs of the bench will be our responsibility but please be advised that we will not replace them if they are beyond repair.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of £150 must be paid when you apply to cover the cost of the plaque. This will be subtracted from the total fee amount.
Please do not send non-refundable deposit of £150 until a site has been agreed.
How do I apply?
You can apply for a bench at any time of the year by downloading, completing, and returning the form to the email address shown on the form.
Donated memorial bench application form and policy 2022 (PDF, 309KB)
You'll get a response to your application within 30 working days. If your application is approved, benches and plaques are usually installed within 12 weeks.
Conditions:
- Memorial benches are installed for a period of 10 years. At the end of the ten year period we will attempt to contact the bench sponsor and offer to renew the sponsorship period. In order for us to do this it is important that we notified of any address or change in contact details.
- We will try and accommodate the applicant's preference for the bench location but offer the right to refuse an application if the preferred location is unsuitable. We will always try to offer an alternative site.
- The bench is the property of the Council. We take liability and responsibility for all maintenance requirements. No maintenance of any kind should be undertaken by the sponsor or their representatives.