Curo News

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.”

More than 200 people turn out to see plans for new Bath park

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 09:00:12 Z

More than 200 people visited an exhibition held by Curo last week to see the detailed proposals for the open space at Mulberry Park, which will be delivered as part of the housing development.

The open space will feature areas for events that are accessible for all, play and picnic spaces, sensory and edible planting and connections to other places like Springfield Park and the popular National Trust Skyline Walk.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “This was a fantastic turnout and it shows that local residents are interested in the new open space and the facilities it will offer. Thanks to everyone who visited and gave us their feedback.

“We’ve designed the open space together with the local community as an opportunity to encourage and promote health and wellbeing. Our ambition for the park is to bring together existing, new and future communities and to connect our development at Mulberry Park with Foxhill, the wider Combe Down area and Bath. It will be an inclusive space, for everyone to enjoy.”

As well as viewing and commenting on the design for the new park, local residents also had the chance to trial some of the classes available at The Hub for free and enter a prize draw to win one of two £50 Love2Shop vouchers.

The lucky winners were Foxhill resident Kathryn Sinclair and John Brown, who lives at Mulberry Park. In her feedback form, Kathryn wrote: “I am very excited about a new play space being available on our doorstep.”

This is what John had to say: “We believe that the new park is being planned taking account of future changes in our society: cycle path, walking and enjoyment in imaginative plantings. It will be integral with the new development and allow people of all ages to enjoy and be enthralled by nature.”

Curo will submit a planning application for the open space to Bath & North East Somerset Council next month. Subject to planning permission, the new park will open to the public in 2022.

Proposals for new Bath park on display at The Hub

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 11:02:48 Z

Image above: Illustrative masterplan of the Mulberry Park public open space

On Tuesday 16 April, Curo will be hosting a public information exhibition to showcase the developed proposals for a new park in Bath.

At the exhibition, visitors will be able to see the detailed design for the main area of public open space and the woodland walk which will be delivered by Curo at Mulberry Park, alongside proposed improvements to Pope’s Walk bridleway.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’d like to thank our stakeholders and residents in Foxhill, Mulberry Park and Combe Down who’ve taken the time to attend our previous workshops and exhibitions and helped us shape the plans for the new public open spaces at Mulberry Park.

“Alongside well-designed areas for events that are accessible for all, the park will also have play and picnic spaces, sensory and edible planting and connections to other places – for example, Springfield Park and the popular National Trust Skyline Walk.

“Together with The Hub, the park will be a focal point for the community to meet up, play sports, attend events and spend time together.”

It’s all about the community

The exhibition will take place at The Hub at Mulberry Park from 3pm until 7pm on Tuesday 16 April and will also offer residents the chance to trial free activities currently on offer at the community centre.

Manager of The Hub, Lizzie Irvine, says: “This event is all about the community, from getting involved in the plans for their new park to joining one of the free 30-minute taster classes offered by the fantastic instructors at The Hub.

“We’re offering something for everyone, from fitness to line dancing and Tai Chi and we look forward to welcoming as many residents as possible on the day.”

Revised activities table updated Tuesday 16 April

Curo will submit the developed proposals for the park to Bath & North East Somerset Council for approval in May. Subject to planning permission, the anticipated completion for the new park is 2022.

What?

Information exhibition of the developed plans for the new public open space at Mulberry Park
Afternoon of free activities at The Hub

When?

Tuesday 16 April

3pm to 7pm, drop in anytime

Where?

The Hub at Mulberry Park

Mulberry Way, Combe Down

Bath BA2 5BU