Member Article

Warrington Bank Park transformation – council bowled over by public consultation

Work is set to start to renew parts of a popular leisure facility in Warrington, Bank Park, following a public consultation exercise held in the autumn.

Warrington Borough Council received 272 responses, with participants putting forward ideas, concerns, comments suggestions and input.

In assessing the responses there was general agreement to restore of the original path layout near Sankey Street, which people thought would make the park more open and appealing.

A number of comments were made on the need to replace the trees and hedges that will have to be removed and this will be included in the new plan.

The proposals to build a new pavilion received wide support, though many people thought that the design should be more traditional and in keeping with the look of the town hall. It was also thought crucial that the building be designed to prevent vandalism. The new designs will incorporate both of these suggested elements.

The design of the bowling greens and their surrounding facilities elicited mixed comment particularly over the question regarding whether the bowling greens should be replaced with artificial greens or retained and improved as grass.

Seventy one percent of people said that they would prefer two artificial greens, 27% wanted an artificial and a grass green and 2% wished to retain both grass greens.

The majority were in favour of artificial greens, primarily because they can be used all year and because of their accessibility for people of all abilities. This option was also supported by the local bowling leagues.

On the basis of the majority response the council is to investigate the potential for two artificial bowling greens at Bank Park. Grass greens will still be available at other town centre locations such as Victoria Park and St Elphin’s Park to give bowlers the ability to play on different surfaces.

Security and safety is essential in Bank Park and this was widely recognised, therefore proposals for the lighting and fencing of the greens were well received.

The plans to improve the playground at the park were also welcomed by the community.

Seventy five percent of people thought that the playground should provide facilities for children of all ages. Ninety seven percent of respondents liked the sample pictures that we provided which showed the type of equipment that could be installed. Several people also commented that they would like to make sure the play area is dog free.

Finally, the issue of car-parking provision for bowlers: this will be considered in more detail before the council proceeds with this part of the design. Parking is available next to the Town Hall, on Sankey Street and soon may also be available at Garven Place, all easily accessible from Bank Park.

The next stage in the transformation of Bank Park will be to start work to bring back the historic path layout, opening up the park and setting the scene for the new pavilion. The work to establish these paths will start this winter, to avoid disturbing any wildlife.

At the same time, Warrington Borough Council will begin outline designs for the new pavilion and bowling green area, including the lighting and fencing as well as landscaping and new planting. The authority aims to apply for planning permission for this area in spring 2014 to keep the project moving forward.

Cllr Kate Hannon, executive board member for leisure, community and culture, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to give us their thoughts about Bank Park.

“We hope that this is the start of a new chapter for the park, reinstating its place as a cherished space in our town. We are very keen to establish a ‘Friends of Bank Park’ group, similar to successful groups that already operate in other areas of Warrington”.

The refurbishment of Bank Park is part of an ambitious programme launched by Warrington Borough Council to work alongside the people of Warrington to improve and regenerate the town’s parks called ‘Your Parks, Our Parks’. All of the town’s parks are included and works are already underway at Walton Hall Park and Victoria Park.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .