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 £1886. 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 £975.
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 a fee of £975 once the renewal has been agreed.
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 once a site has been agreed to cover the cost of the plaque. This will be subtracted from the total fee amount.
How to apply, renew or request an additional plaque
You can apply for a bench at any time of the year
- click on the relevant button below and log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the online form. If you are already logged into your MyAccount the form will automatically open
- MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7. For information about MyAccount visit the find out more page.
- Once the application has been approved, pay the appropriate fee
Donated memorial bench application
Donated memorial bench renewal
Donated memorial bench additional plaque
What happens next?
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.
General Enquiries
To submit an enquiry regarding memorial benches complete the general enquiry form. If you do not have or wish to create a MyAccount select the 'Report anonymously' option on the MyAccount log in page. You will still need to provide contact details within the form.
Memorial bench general enquiry form