Residents are being invited to have their say on the next stage of ambitious plans to enhance Shorncliffe Recreation Ground, as Shrewsbury Town Council prepares to launch the second phase of its public consultation.
The consultation opened today and runs until Friday 2 October, giving the local community the opportunity to comment on a series of developed proposals that have been shaped by extensive public feedback, technical assessments and specialist design work.
The proposals have been developed by Shrewsbury Town Council in partnership with landscape architects Camlins, following the first round of engagement earlier this year which attracted almost 400 responses online and at community drop-in events. Residents highlighted the importance of protecting the recreation ground's natural character while improving opportunities for recreation, accessibility and community use.
Feedback from the first consultation showed strong support for improving walking and cycling routes through the park, creating new play opportunities for children and young people, enhancing biodiversity, improving entrances and making the recreation ground feel safer and more welcoming. Many residents also emphasised the importance of retaining the park's open green spaces and preserving its peaceful character.
Using this feedback as a foundation, the project team has undertaken a detailed site analysis, ecological and landscape assessments, accessibility reviews and ongoing discussions with stakeholders to develop a long-term vision for the recreation ground. The result is a phased masterplan that balances recreation, nature and community wellbeing while ensuring the site can evolve over time as funding becomes available.
The proposals include a significantly improved network of accessible paths, a new running loop, improved entrances, enhanced landscaping and biodiversity measures, alongside plans for a new pump track and natural play area as the first phase of delivery.
Alongside the public consultation, Shrewsbury Town Council will also be working with local primary and secondary schools to gather ideas from young people about how the proposed pump track and play area could look and the types of features they would like to see incorporated into the designs.
Councillor Rob Wilson, Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council and local ward member, said:
From the outset we have been clear that these proposals should be shaped by the people who use Shorncliffe Recreation Ground. The first consultation provided a huge amount of valuable feedback which has directly influenced the designs that residents will now see.
These proposals seek to protect everything people value about Shorncliffe while introducing improvements that encourage healthier lifestyles, improve accessibility and create more opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy this fantastic community space. I would encourage everyone to take a look at the plans and continue helping us shape the future of the recreation ground."
Paul Shirley Smith, Landscape Director at Camlins, said:
The first round of engagement provided us with an excellent understanding of how people currently use Shorncliffe Recreation Ground and what they value most about it. That insight has been invaluable in developing proposals that respond directly to the site's unique character and the aspirations of the local community.
The emerging masterplan aims to enhance connectivity, biodiversity and recreational opportunities while respecting the landscape that makes Shorncliffe such an important green space. We are looking forward to hearing people's views on the next stage of the proposals."
Residents can view the proposals, complete the online consultation and find more information by visiting
www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk/the-shorncliffe-journey
The consultation is now open and runs until Friday 2 October.