Published August 2, 2023 at 16:15
Rossendale Borough Council are working alongside Community Interest Company Proffitts – Investing in Communities and several local community groups on a project to improve Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall.
As part of the project, the team have created a draft Masterplan for Improvements that was shared with park users and local residents in March of this year. The plan outlined some of the changes that could be made within the park, and a survey gave people the opportunity to share their own ideas and suggestions for improving the park too.
Dave McChesney Green Spaces Manager from Rossendale Borough Council said: ‘’ We’ve had a great response to the consultation, and we’re thrilled that so many residents and visitors are excited about upgrading the space.
“We’ve been through all the feedback, and the team have now updated the masterplan to reflect some of the comments and suggestions from users. We know that our parks support the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors in Rossendale, and we hope to be able to deliver some key improvements over the next couple of years.’’
The plan for the site includes improvements to drainage, pathways, entrances, car parks, the play area, the tennis courts, and the bandstand. There is also an option to add a new play space for children and add a wheeled sports facility. Tree works, a woodland walk route, and the creation of a new wildflower meadow have also been proposed.
Councillor Liz McInnes who is also a member of Friends of Whitaker Park said ‘’We’re delighted that so many people across the community are supportive of our plans to improve Whitaker Park.
“Even though this is a long-term project that will take place over several years, it’s exciting that we have a design that people are happy with. The next step for us is to begin the fundraising process, so we can start to bring the plan to life.’’
Groups involved with creating the Masterplan include The Friends of Whitaker Park, The Whitaker Park Museum, Civic Pride Rossendale, The Rossendale Leisure Trust, and Incredible Edible Rossendale.
All information and updates about the project can be found on the website below: https://www.proffittscic.com/community-projects/whitaker-park-rawtenstall/
If you would like more general information about the project, please contact Martin Proffitt at Proffitts (CIC) on 07989928038 or communities@proffittscic.com