Cumberland Market - Park Improvements

Overview

In September 2015 we held consultation events to find out what improvements could be made to the open space in Cumberland Market. We ensured a range of views were captured and a variety of interests and needs were represented. The designs have been developed in response to the community’s needs and aspirations, and the Council’s priorities for managing and maintaining the open space.

Priority improvements you mentioned were:

• Poor path layout around the Eastern section
• Easier access needed by different groups
• Better provision for seating in the children’s play area
•  Enhance the open space’s visual appeal, including more colourful planting
• Improvements to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and more outdoor gym equipment
• Better use of the food growing space with a planned structure and formal layout.

We have developed a design proposal (available to download below) that addresses these priorities by the following features:

• Enhanced park entrances with wider gates to provide better access
• Repairs to the sandpit and edging in the play area
• Relocation of benches to provide seating in the play area
• Realigned footpath to create a new exercise route and levelled space at the H Pod terrace
• Improved access to storage space behind MUGA
• Planting and biodiversity improvements introducing a variety of plants.

Potential phase 2 improvements, subject to funding with timescales to be confirmed:

• A complete MUGA refurbishment, including new fencing, goal units, surfacing and gates
• Installation of a formal decked food growing space, including timber planters, better access, water provision and protective fencing.

Outdoor Gym – new lease of life

A brand new outdoor gym will be installed this summer 2016 by Park Leisure and Sport Ltd. The gym size will be extended to include more diverse equipment, suitable for all abilities and will continue to be free to use. The gym plans will be posted on site shortly.

Next Steps

We hope you like the proposals. The works are expected to begin in Summer 2016. Further updates will be placed on park noticeboards in due course.

If you have any comments or for a hard copy of the design, please contact me by email or telephone using the contact details on the right.

Deadline for feedback: Thursday 28th April 2016.