Geoff
08-10-2003, 16:26
Plans for the re-shaping of Devonshire Green, the City Centre's only heavily- used park are to be put on display shortly for comment by the public. The Green, created in 1981 by the Council, has become the focal point of the fast growing Devonshire Quarter known for its new flats, fashion shopping and nightlife.
The Green will remain a largely grassed area and proposals start with the installation of a proper drainage system and re-grading to create a flatter central area surrounded by grass terraces giving an improved setting for events and performances. Seating, lighting and bins will all be replaced by more robust but stylish units.
At the corner adjoining the Forum a paved area will provide space for sitting, children's play and smaller events surrounded by low walls decorated in colourful mosaics. The mosaic theme could be continued along the main path through the park to Fitzwilliam Street that would become a promenade with seasonal planting beds, seating and perhaps facilities for local artists to display work. The grass mound that borders the car park could be replaced by a paved, tree-lined boulevard that may be used for street markets and as a safe meeting point for parades.
The old playground at the corner of Wellington Street that is seen by many as an unsavoury hideout for drinking and drug abuse will be removed shortly. The surroundings of the popular skate bowl will be tidied up and strengthened and a new 'nursery' skating area for younger children may be provided nearby at Gell Street Park.
A possible new sport could be added in the form of a colourful climbing boulder that also forms a sculptural feature. This was one of many suggestions that have come out of earlier rounds of consultation with local people that have informed the current designs.
The Green has already acquired its own dedicated park keeper this summer who looks after gardening, litter collection and general supervision. The keeper is supported by City Centre Ambassadors and local police and the area is covered by CCTV with help points.
Security concerns recently raised by businesses in the Devonshire Business Park are being dealt with separately from these proposals by the provision of new fencing as an immediate priority.
The designs were recently presented to the Devonshire Quarter Community Association and will now be displayed at a number of venues around the Green starting with a week at the Forum Shopping Centre from Thursday 9 October. It is hoped that work can start later next year and may be carried out in phases as funds are secured. The refurbishment of the park is being funded mainly by 'planning gain' contributions from new flat developments, and possibly Lottery money.
Councillor Tim Rippon, the Council's Cabinet member for Community Safety commented: "The improvements made to Devonshire Green follow a number of meetings with local businesses and residents. We are determined to ensure this area is used safely and to its full potential by all members of the community and is a real asset to the city centre."
The Green will remain a largely grassed area and proposals start with the installation of a proper drainage system and re-grading to create a flatter central area surrounded by grass terraces giving an improved setting for events and performances. Seating, lighting and bins will all be replaced by more robust but stylish units.
At the corner adjoining the Forum a paved area will provide space for sitting, children's play and smaller events surrounded by low walls decorated in colourful mosaics. The mosaic theme could be continued along the main path through the park to Fitzwilliam Street that would become a promenade with seasonal planting beds, seating and perhaps facilities for local artists to display work. The grass mound that borders the car park could be replaced by a paved, tree-lined boulevard that may be used for street markets and as a safe meeting point for parades.
The old playground at the corner of Wellington Street that is seen by many as an unsavoury hideout for drinking and drug abuse will be removed shortly. The surroundings of the popular skate bowl will be tidied up and strengthened and a new 'nursery' skating area for younger children may be provided nearby at Gell Street Park.
A possible new sport could be added in the form of a colourful climbing boulder that also forms a sculptural feature. This was one of many suggestions that have come out of earlier rounds of consultation with local people that have informed the current designs.
The Green has already acquired its own dedicated park keeper this summer who looks after gardening, litter collection and general supervision. The keeper is supported by City Centre Ambassadors and local police and the area is covered by CCTV with help points.
Security concerns recently raised by businesses in the Devonshire Business Park are being dealt with separately from these proposals by the provision of new fencing as an immediate priority.
The designs were recently presented to the Devonshire Quarter Community Association and will now be displayed at a number of venues around the Green starting with a week at the Forum Shopping Centre from Thursday 9 October. It is hoped that work can start later next year and may be carried out in phases as funds are secured. The refurbishment of the park is being funded mainly by 'planning gain' contributions from new flat developments, and possibly Lottery money.
Councillor Tim Rippon, the Council's Cabinet member for Community Safety commented: "The improvements made to Devonshire Green follow a number of meetings with local businesses and residents. We are determined to ensure this area is used safely and to its full potential by all members of the community and is a real asset to the city centre."