Lewes residents are invited to comment on the outline proposals to upgrade the town’s recreational spaces. This is the second in a series of public consultations to give local residents a say in the future of Pells Recreation Ground and Malling Fields.
The proposals are available to view here, along with a short questionnaire. These outline plans are based on the feedback received at the first public consultation. The response from this second consultation will be used to move the proposals from outline to detailed designs to be presented at the third and final consultation.
Ideas for Malling Fields include a woodland inspired adventure play area and a games area integrating the new skate park. Residents were also keen to use natural materials and planting that harmonised with the natural landscape of the South Downs. The proposal for Pells Recreation Ground is to have an open, flexible space for informal play and to create an environment to encourage wildlife. Tree houses and a timber climbing frame were popular suggestions from residents.
Cllr Andy Smith, Leader of Lewes District Council said: “These initial proposals are based on views that residents expressed in the first consultation. We’d like to find out what they think now that their ideas have been drawn up. I think they look really exciting and will create some fantastic open spaces that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations to come. I urge people to have a look at the plans and leave their comments.”
These improvements to existing public spaces are part of the North Street Quarter development, which was granted planning approval last year. Funds have been set aside to upgrade the two recreational areas to provide attractive, safe and well-designed play spaces.
Clive Wilding, Director of Santon North Street, said: “Lewes residents have been instrumental in developing the plans for North Street Quarter during the three year consultation leading up to planning consent. I hope they will continue to give us feedback so that we can develop some fantastic recreational facilities that meet their needs and aspirations.”
The outline proposals for Malling Fields and Pells Recreation Ground are available here http://northstreetqtr.co.uk/pells-malling-fields-consultation/
Feedback will be used to move the proposals from outline to detailed designs. The detailed proposals will be presented at the third and final consultation which will take place in late spring/early summer.
The North Street Quarter development will bring considerable assets to the town, including 416 new houses, of which 40% (165) are affordable homes; a new health hub; a public car park with 330 spaces and extensive works on the River Ouse will complete the town’s flood defences and create new public access to the river with a footbridge and a riverside promenade. Work to prepare the site for development began in September and the first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2019.