Shrewsbury residents are invited to have their say over the future of the play area within the town’s Quarry Park.
Shrewsbury Town Council wishes to refurbish the site and has approved a £375,000 cash injection to bring it in line with other play parks, such as Telford.
The new facility will also incorporate the existing paddling pool, which will be transformed into a splash park.
The paddling pool, which was previously owned by Shropshire Council but managed by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, has historically been open during the warmer summer months but closed to the public for the remainder of the year. The new splash facilities will provide added value with 365-days-a-year usage, even when the fountains are switched off.
Play and splash park specialists were invited to submit tender proposals for the play area refurbishment over the summer. After a rigorous tender process the submissions have been whittled down to the top two preferred options and the Town Council is now asking members of the public to vote for their favourite design.
Details of the two preferred options are available to view on the Town Council website HERE.
Members of the public can vote for their favourite design, and submit additional comments, using the online voting form.
The consultation is open until Friday 30th October.
The results of the voting will be collated and will determine the final design. It is expected that work shall begin at the end of November, with a view to the completed park being re-opened by Easter 2016.
Councillor Alan Mosley, Leader of the Council said: “I’m delighted with the exciting plans which have been put forward and look forward to consultation with the general public and especially the young people who will use the play area. It will be a significant investment for the Town Council and shows our ongoing commitment to improving facilities and making Shrewsbury an even better place for residents and even more attractive to visitors.”
Councillor Andrew Bannerman, ward member for Quarry & Coton Hill added: “This is a major investment by the Town Council, which demonstrates its determination, even in these straitened times, to provide the best play facilities for the town’s burgeoning population in the Quarry, the historic and iconic heart of the town.”
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council Portfolio Holder for Business, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning said: “We are delighted that Shrewsbury Town Council’s plans for the Quarry Play Area include transforming the paddling pool, which has had limited use during the summer months only, into a facility that can be used all year round. We are sure the Town Council will approach this project with vigour and we look forward to seeing the finished result next year.”
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