Plans for new Bath park given the green light – but what should it be called?

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:47:28 Z

Image above: illustrative bird's eye view of the new park

Curo have secured planning consent to create a new park at their development of almost 700 homes at Mulberry Park in Combe Down, Bath. Now, the housing association and housebuilder is asking local residents to get involved in a competition to find a name for the new community open space.

This is the final major planning application to be determined by Bath & North East Somerset Council for Mulberry Park, after the fourth and last phase of development was granted detailed planning permission in July this year.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “Local residents, stakeholders and B&NES officers have helped us to develop and refine proposals for a new park that is beautiful, inclusive and can be enjoyed by people of all ages; we’re delighted to be able to start works on the public open space soon.

“We want to continue the tradition we’ve established at Mulberry Park, of celebrating the area’s history, its people and their contributions to community and country and we’re inviting residents once more to choose a name – this time, for their new park.

“The development itself was named by local resident Ken Cookes in 2014, to reflect the city’s long military history and celebrate the Mulberry Harbours, designed in Bath by the Admiralty and used for the D-Day landings in World War 2 – while the streets in Phases 1 and 2 at Mulberry Park have been named after the young men of Combe Down who served in the First World War. We’re keen to continue working with the residents in naming these new local landmarks.

“So if you have an idea for a great name for the park, we’d love to hear from you!”

The new park will include an equipped play area for ages 2-11, as well as a picnic zone, flexible event spaces, areas of wildflower meadow, sensory planting, and hedge and tree planting to encourage biodiversity. Curo will also look at developing a centrepiece for the park, such as a bandstand, to support cultural activities.

In addition, footpath links will facilitate access to the park from the development and the wider area, while the Woodland Walk, which will be created north of the park, will connect the community to other places in Bath via Pope’s Walk.

The park, which was granted planning permission by B&NES officers via delegated decision, will open in 2022. The case officer’s report highlighted that “the proposed park will provide an attractive area of public open space with a mix of uses and activities which will cater to the needs of the newly established community at Mulberry Park.”

The Hub celebrates birthday with day of free activities

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 12:22:35 Z

The Hub, our £10m community building at our Mulberry Park development in Bath, is celebrating its first birthday with a day of free activities on Saturday 9 November.

The Hub is at the heart of the Foxhill, Mulberry Park and Combe Down community. It was delivered as part of our 700 homes development at Mulberry Park.

Curo's mission is to provide great homes, support communities and improve lives and The Hub is part of our ongoing investment in the local area.

Manager of The Hub, Lizzie Irvine said: “We’re having a special birthday party with a day of free activities. It’s a big thank you to the community for their fantastic support during our first year.”

“The Hub is a community space where people come together to have fun and try new things. We’ve really gone from strength to strength in one year and it’s the community who’ve helped us make The Hub a real success.”

The first birthday party has been organised by The Hub and local arts organisation Made in Foxhill, who’re responsible for bringing arts activities for all ages to the area.

There will be a special performance from Dragon Bird theatre company. The renowned theatre group performed at The Hub’s opening last year and are bringing back their props, puppets, songs, dances, bubbles, costumes and parachutes.

A professional animator will be holding free animation workshops throughout the day. There will also be craft activities, stalls, an exhibition of photography by Foxhill’s Happy Snappers and a birthday cake!

Lizzie added: “We’ve got so much happening at The Hub, with activities and classes for all residents, young and old. If you haven’t visited us before, our birthday celebration is the perfect time to come along and see what we have for you.”

Programme of free activities

10am-3pm (drop-in) | The Animation Workshop

Work with a professional animator and discover the magical world of stop motion animation. Ages 5+

10.30am & 1.30pm | DragonBird Theatre - The Elephant’s Child

An interactive theatre performance and play session. These shows are created for 0-5 years but can be enjoyed by the whole family. Apply in advance for your FREE TICKETS online (10.30am or 1.30pm) or at The Hub’s reception.

10am-3pm (drop-in) | Cartooning with the SillyScribbler

Join in with some silly scribbling! Learn how to use simple shapes to create your very own cartoon characters. So, whether it’s a funny face or a weird creature - come along and make your own artwork. Ages 5+

10am-3pm (drop-in) | Organic Bread Monster Making

Make your own monsters using organic dough. Take home, bake and impress your family. Ages 5+

10am-3pm (drop-in) | Felty Happy Creatures

Make your own Felty ‘madeinfoxhill’ Fox and other creepy crawly creatures to take home and keep. Ages 5+

10am-3pm | Foxhill Happy Snappers Exhibition
Come and meet our resident photography group, the Foxhill Happy Snappers and see their fascinating new exhibition that’s inspired by Foxhill and the surrounding areas.

10am-3pm | Artisan Fair
Local artists selling jam, Christmas presents and decorations, cards, toys, baby clothes, artwork and jewellery.

11.30am - 12.30pm | Pop-up Choir

Come and enjoy some singing with the “pop-up choir”. Everyone is welcome to join in regardless of singing experience or age.

12.45pm | Mulberry Park Educate Together performance

Come along and watch a special performance by the children of The Hub’s neighbouring school, Mulberry Park Educate Together.

Curo News

Plans for new Bath park given the green light – but what should it be called?

The Hub celebrates birthday with day of free activities

Programme of free activities