Hundreds of local people have already given their views on the Great Park for Greater Eston in a series of consultation sessions and now the emerging themes and ideas will be on show at the City Learning Centre, Eston on Friday, January 29, from 10am-8pm and Saturday, January 30, from 10am-4pm.
The concept of the velodrome met with an enthusiastic response from consultation organised by leisure specialist Strategic Leisure, who quizzed over 400 people, but reaction closer to the proposals has raised doubts.
However, the Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Sheelagh Clarke said: "
Like other people, I was a bit worried that the velodrome could detract from the beauty of the park."
"But I've been pleasantly surprised when I've seen the suggested locations near the Sports Centre. Of course, nothing is set in tablets of stone at this stage, but I think the ideas work very well.
The public consultation on the overall design of the park has collated views from young and old.
The team of consultants from Golder Associates, a design practice of landscape architects and urban designers, are leading on the project.
The Council has also enlisted the help of David Potts, a specialist in community consultation, who has talked to 20 local groups and got the views of over 400 people in face-to-face interviews about the scheme.
They have also listened to the Gillbrook College school council, liaised with the Great Park steering group, made up of councillors, officers, schools and police, as well as hosting two public design workshops.
The outcomes offer a range of diverse and exciting design possibilities, including themed gardens, children's play areas, a wildlife and ecological park - making clever use of an area of the Rec that never drains - artwork and sculptures, plus an events arena and a new facilities building that could house a snack bar, changing rooms and toilets.
Councillor Clarke urged people to drop in at the two-day consultation. "
It's very, very important that people see the plans now. These are the first plans, the first real ideas on paper, so come and see what's proposed."
Funding the vision, of course, has still to be organised and Councillor Clarke explained: "
Naturally, we are in an era where there is a credit crunch, and there won't be a lot of money to spend over the next few years."
"But that's something we will look at and try to seek different ways of achieving what we want. There are still lots of external funding streams that we can try to tap into so I don't see why we can't go ahead and bring this marvellous project to a successful conclusion.
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