Rob Hincks, Strategy and Performance Officer will be providing a presentation on the future of Rally Park.
Minutes:
Mark Rose, Capita Lovejoy Landscape Architects was present to provide an update with regard to the current situation with Rally Park.
Mark stated that a feasibility study would be undertaken into Rally Park and he would be providing an overview of how the park’s future would develop.
The first stage in the process was assessment. Mark they stated that other parks in the city had been looked at and it was clear that the space at Rally Park was a very valuable space. There had been a number of consultation exercises conducted and in the park itself a number of people had been spoken to who had been using the park. There were a number of key themes that had resulted from the consultation. The park had some active uses however most people used it as a through route. There were concerns over security. There were concerns that inappropriate behaviour in the park would deter people from using the park.
Mark mentioned that the website at www.leicester.gov.uk/rallyparkconsultation provided more information. The next step was to create a plan to take all the identified steps forward and the Council would seek funding from various places.
The suggestions identified were as follows:
1. Change the shape of the park so that it was more open, to help with this, land should be taken from nearby employment premises.
2. There would be a stronger relationship with the river next to the park.
3. The Park would be used for a range of uses. Suggestions given had been a community type garden, more play areas and retaining older children’s facilities such as bmx and adventure playground. There may also be a performance and gathering area.
4. The security issues would be addressed. A stoop or terraced area could be created where people would have the opportunity to sit and overlook the park, which would be a form of natural surveillance.
Mark also mentioned that it may be appropriate to create more homes around the park.
The Chair commented that on the opposite side from Rally Park where the development was being completed, the developers had obtained a section 106 agreement and there would be money for Rally Park given by the developers if the development went ahead.
Mark commented that the aim was to achieve a phased approach with continual improvement and there would be a report published on the website with actions agreed.
A member of the public queried what land the new homes would be built on and whether they would be student accommodation. Mark commented that the homes would be private dwellings and there would probably be 3 or 4 homes developed. Mark added that it would not be appropriate for it to be student accommodation.
A member of the public queried how vandalism would be stopped. Mark commented that there may be a recommendation for a street warden and some areas of the park may have to be secured at night times. It was important that the park was sustained. The Chair stated that there had been a lot of money spent to stop travellers and riders in the park and there had been issues with kissing gates. It was important that there was some kind of surveillance system.
Mark stated that it was important that the park was part of the community and he would keep everyone informed of the progress. The Chair commented that when a decision had been made then there should be something included in LINK magazine or there should be a meeting similar to this one.
The Chair thanked Mark for his presentation.