News

Residents help shape new youth and community space

Released on 27 October 2009

The residents and young people of Heatherside are helping to shape a new Village Green community space for their area that includes a skatepark, outdoor gym area and brand new children's playground. The new family-focused facilities will be developed on Heatherside Recreation Ground, subject to planning permission being obtained.

The Surrey Heath Partnership carried out an extensive consultation with the Heatherside community over the summer, proposing a variety of options for a new youth and community space. The views of residents influenced the Partnership's final decision to proceed with the 'Village Green with skatepark' option. The other options were for a community-run building, Village Green space with BMX track, a Village Green alone, and no new facility.

More than 80 local residents of all age groups gathered at Heather Ridge Infant School on 21 October to hear about the proposed new community space - and to get involved in its design.

During workshops held on the night, residents came up with the following ideas and suggestions:

• Timed lighting for the skatepark to allow year-round use
• More litter bins to cope with increased use of facilities
• Attractive design in keeping with the local area
• A group made up of residents of all ages to help drive the project
• Possible BBQ area in the Village Green
• The whole thing to be not too big that it takes over the existing space, but not too small either

Partnership officers from the borough council, county council, neighbourhood police and youth development service, are continuing to work with the community as the blueprints for the new space evolve.

Surrey Heath Borough Council Green Spaces Manager, Leigh Thornton, said: "Our aim, first and foremost, is to encourage local residents to get involved in the design of the space to ensure it accurately reflects the sort of facility they want in their community. We are seeking creative input from all age groups on the different aspects of the Village Green and skatepark - and encourage those interested in helping to shape the project to get in touch."

Heatherside residents can contact Leigh Thornton by email, on leisure.services@surreyheath.gov.uk or telephone 01276 707100.

To read more about the consultation, visit www.safersurreyheath.info/heathersideconsultation. Updates will also be placed on the 'Heatherside decides' Facebook page.