Mayow Park Masterplan Final Draft
Prepared for LB Lewisham By Around the Block And Groundwork London November 2009
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Acknowledgments With this aim, Groundwork London has positioned itself to be a key partner at planning and delivery levels for significant Groundwork London and associates have worked together on environmental and social regeneration initiatives. In the past this Masterplan document and have been gratefully assisted in five-years this positioning has led us to contribute to the Greater numerous ways by the following council departments, London Authority and Government policy thinking on relevant stakeholders and local tenants and residents. central issues.
LB Lewisham Green Scene department Groundwork London builds partnerships that inform policy and LB Lewisham Regeneration department strategy. These partnerships generate ideas which are then LB Lewisham Early Years department and Sure Start tested through practical projects delivered at a local level. The Glendale experience gained from these projects feeds back into the LBL Community involvement team concepts, refining them further, and this shared learning helps Councillors Chris Best and Susan Wise to inform future policy. In this way, Groundwork influences the Friends of Mayow Park evolving shape of the city region. Sydenham Society www.groundwork-london.org.uk Mayow Park Bowls Club www.groundwork.org.uk Envirowork Lewisham Local residents adjacent to the park Around the Block Ltd LB Lewisham Local History Library Around the Block Ltd, is an independent multidisciplinary consultancy firm, specialising in greenspace and public realm Steve Grindlay, Emma Tarling, Simon Bolton, development projects and research. Christopher Dare – local residents for photographs Founded in 2007, Around the Block and associates work with
local authorities, voluntary sector and other consultancies to Groundwork London offer consultancy services for the promotion, development and Groundwork London is part of a wider network of charitable management of public realm projects. ATB associates include: trusts which form a federation of approximately 50 trusts around Groundwork London, Urbed, Cracknell, Lark Designs Ltd and the UK. MTW associates and Deptford APT studios. Groundwork’s vision is of a society made up of sustainable communities which are vibrant, healthy and safe, which respect the local and global environment and where individuals and enterprise prosper.
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Table of Contents An interesting park ...... 37 A clean and well maintained park ...... 38 Foreword ...... 7 A sustainable/ biodiverse park ...... 39 4.5 Survey and Analysis Summary...... 40 Executive Summary ...... 8 4.6 Recommended actions ...... 41 1.0 Introduction ...... 11 5.0 Stakeholders and engagement ...... 45 1.1Project aims and objectives ...... 11 The overall project aim was to: ...... 11 5.1Local Stakeholders ...... 45 1.2 Project method ...... 12 5.2 Other park users ...... 49 1.3 Project team ...... 12 5.4 Groundwork walkabout ...... 50 5.5 Monitoring figures for the walkabout attendees...... 51 2.0 Masterplan context ...... 14 5.6 Conclusions ...... 52 2.1Introduction ...... 14 2.2 LB Lewisham Policy ...... 15 6.0 Masterplan proposals ...... 54
2.3 Neighbouring open space and facilities ...... 17 6.0 Masterplan proposals ...... 54 2.4Local Development and funding initiatives ...... 20 6.1Vision and characterisation ...... 54
3.0 History of Mayow Park ...... 24 6.2 Aims ...... 54 6.3 Concept masterplan ...... 55 4.0 Survey & Analysis...... 30 6.4Character areas description ...... 56 4.1 Introduction...... 30 The Meadow ...... 56 4.2 Description of the park – layout and facilities ...... 30 The Pleasure Garden, Herbaceous Walk and Shrubbery ...... 56 The Oval ...... 56 4.3 Existing Conditions Plan ...... 32 The Great Trees ...... 58 4.4 Survey and analysis themes ...... 33 The Recreation Grounds ...... 58 The Playful landscape ...... 58 A welcoming place ...... 33 The Gateways and Boundary Fences ...... 58 A place to be active ...... 35 The Pavilion ...... 60 A place to be involved ...... 37 A safe and secure park ...... 37
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7.0 Costs and funding streams ...... 63 7.1 Estimated capital costs...... 63
7.2 Summary of capital costs, fees and surveys ...... 65
7.3 Sources of Potential Funding for Mayow Park ...... 66
8.0 Summary ...... 74
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Appendices
1. LB Lewisham Open Space Strategy 2. Neighbourhood Four profile - NHS Primary Care Trust – 2005 3. Deprivation Indices – LB Lewisham 4. Open Spaces Strategy Deficiency maps – LB Lewisham 5. LB Lewisham Sustainable Community Strategy 6. Design for Play – Play England and DCSF 7. Planning for Play – Cabe Space 8. Guide to developing Play Strategies – GLA 9. LB Lewisham Play Strategy 10. Mayow Park Bowls Club planning application 11. LB Lewisham Dog Control Orders 12. Mayow Park Opening Ceremony Programme – 1878 13. Tree survey and report 14. Friends of Mayow park newsletter 15. Groundwork Walkabout Evaluation
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Foreword
Mayow Park is one of the oldest parks in Lewisham and benefits from an active, caring group of local stakeholders and the local community users that really care about the park and its future. This is aptly demonstrated by the regularity of community based activities that take place in the park and recent interest in the ‘Parks for People’ vote, organised by the Mayor of London.
It has been this self determination and pro active activity on their behalf that has led to the development of this Masterplan and the securing of funds to enhance youth facilities in the park and provide accommodation for the Bowls Club.
This document will give Stakeholders and other park users alike an opportunity to set down their ideas and aspirations collectively and offers a framework for investment, fundraising and future management.
Cllr Susan Wise
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continue to develop and enhance community and Executive Summary stakeholder activity and engagement with existing and new audiences
provide the opportunity for regular activities and events This document lays out a vision of improvements for Mayow Park by maximising the potential usage of the facilities in the set in a Masterplan framework. Defining and illustrating areas of park improvement that have been highlighted through discussion attract an secure additional resources to implement the with London Borough of Lewisham and key Stakeholders. It is improvement proposals envisaged that the Masterplan will be a dynamic document and may in the future be subject to amendment and This document sets out through survey and analysis, stakeholder refinement. discussion and a description of masterplan proposals, the vision
and opportunities for the rejuvenation of the park. It also sets The Masterplan will in time be accompanied by a 10 Year out to align itself with National, Regional and Local strategies Management Plan (to be prepared by London Borough of that are necessary to demonstrate to external and internal Lewisham) for the park and both of these documents will funders. provide the means to secure long term investment in the park both physically and socially. Context for parks and open spaces
The Government recognises that good quality public space The production of this document coincides with an active including parks and green spaces have an essential role to play period in the parks history. Funding has been secured to in building sustainable communities, and enhancing people’s develop accommodation for the existing Bowls Club. Funding quality of life in towns and cities. from the government’s Playbuilder Programme (DCSF) has been awarded to improve the existing play area and create new These aspirations are captured in national policy, ‘Sustainable opportunities for youth facilities. In addition the work of Communities Act 2007’, which promotes the sustainability of Envirowork Lewisham continues in the park with proposals for a local communities through a broad agenda for partnership partnership approach with Teach Sport and LB Lewisham to working at the local level, including the development of improve sporting opportunities in the park. sustainable community strategies and the negotiation of local
area agreements. It is hoped that the Masterplan will:
provide an accepted vision for the park which will raise In addition government development of a Public Service the overall quality of the park Agreement Target (PSA 8) on Liveability aims to: improve its biodiversity
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‘Lead the delivery of cleaner, safer, greener public spaces and Mayow Park Vision improving the quality of the built environment in deprived areas and across the country, with measurable improvements by Mayow Park is the oldest park in Lewisham and is well regarded 2008’. and used by the local community. The park enjoys a rich The target reflects the government wider commitment to heritage and is patronised by a diverse community, some new improve the quality of public spaces through the Cleaner, Safer, to the area and some long term residents. and Greener Communities programme. The park with its stately trees forming a strong framework and Indicators for success in PSA8 include: boundary still has the traces of its late Victorian grandeur and Achieving Green Flag awards for parks and green provides valuable facilities amidst a built up residential area spaces. which is deficient in open green space. Improving satisfaction with parks and open spaces. Improving satisfaction with the neighborhoods in which Groundwork’s shared vision for the park has a number of we live. strands. These include:
Criteria for achieving a Green Flag are marked under the Straight forward upgrading of infrastructure and layout following headings and this document has used these headings Creating new areas and opportunities for community as themes as a basis for the survey and analysis and design engagement activities proposals. Provision of better play and sports provision Creation of sociable and event space A Welcoming Place Provision of quiet contemplation, colour, art and interest Healthy, Safe and Secure Park to become a hub of activity and afford event Clean and Well Maintained opportunities for the new residents as well as the old. Sustainability Provide adequate interpretation or realisation of the Conservation and Heritage heritage Victorian park Community Involvement Marketing Management
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1.0 Introduction
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1.0 Introduction 1. A welcoming Place 2. A place to be active in 3. A place to be involved in Mayow Park, formally Forest Hill and Sydenham Recreation Ground is 4. A safe and secure place Lewisham Borough Councils oldest Municipal Park (1878) and consists 5. An interesting place of some 6.75 hectares (16.6 acres) in size and is situated in Lower 6. A clean and well maintained park Sydenham in the ward of Perry Vale, close to the borough boundary 7. A sustainable park of Bromley. 1.1Project aims and objectives It is situated in a residential area, a reasonable distance from the busy ‘A’ roads of Sydenham Road, Perry Vale and Kirkdale. It lies more or less between Forest Hill and Sydenham railway stations and is close to Groundwork London was approached by London Borough of a number of junior and senior schools. Lewisham Parks department to develop a masterplan document for Mayow Park. After discussion with key stakeholders, Groundwork It is one of three main large public parks, (Horniman Gardens, Mayow London was commissioned, to develop a strategic masterplan Park and Sydenham Wells Park) that make up almost 50% of the total informed by a period of consultation and negotiation with the council open space in this area. and key stakeholders.
The ward has pockets of deprivation and is deficient in accessible The overall project aim was to: public open spaces. A proportion of the northern area of the Perry Vale ward is deficient in terms of access to Sites of Importance for Develop a strategic masterplan of improvements to Mayow Park Nature Conservation (SINC) which will take on board the constraints & opportunities of the existing site and conclusions from a targeted consultation process with key By producing a Masterplan for Mayow Park it has been possible to stakeholders and the council develop a vision for the parks development that can fulfil aspirations from the local community and long term strategic development goals To make sure that current funding can be effectively exploited of the London Borough of Lewisham. and identify future funding opportunities in order to carry out phased improvements to the park. This vision has been represented in the report by showing plans and costs for the parks development, identifying key community The objectives for the Masterplan are: engagement opportunities and long term management solutions To undertake analysis of Mayow Park in its current use & format The opportunities for development are centred on the following seven themes which align themselves to Greenspace’s, Green Flag Award To undertake agreed consultation activities with identified key criteria and aim to assist in the development of a 10 year stakeholders to inform the masterplan management plan for the park.
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To create a masterplan document of improvements to the Park, with Landscape Architect – Tania Ruthven – Groundwork London prioritisation of all improvements identified Community Project Officer - Virginia Nimarkoh – Groundwork London To communicate project progress through meetings with partners & stakeholder updates Sub Consultant - Masterplan author - Sue Morgan – Director Around the Block Ltd. To identify potential future funding sources
This document aligns itself with LBL’s Open Space Strategy, Community Strategy, and Play Strategy.
1.2 Project method
The development of the Masterplan has been completed using the following process as agreed with LBL.
Desk based research of history, background, planning and local community context
Site visits and meetings with Council staff to develop a thorough survey and analysis of the park
Analysis of current and potential stakeholder groups
Development of a costed and annotated Masterplan with funding and capital expenditure recommendations
1.3 Project team
Area Manager – Stephen Menzies – Groundwork London
Project Manager and Principal Landscape Architect – Suzanne Simmons – Groundwork London
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2. 2.0 Masterplan Context
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2.0 Masterplan context
2.1Introduction
Key to developing the Masterplan for Mayow Park is the need to identify its context / setting in the local community and examine how the development plans align themselves to national, regional and local planning contexts.
Relevant national and regional context issues are recorded in detail in Section 2 of LBL Open Space Strategy document 2005 – 2010. (Appendix 1) The section details the background of the renaissance of parks policy in National Government since 2003, highlighting documents such as , ‘Green Spaces, Better Places’, DTLR 2002, the emergence of
Cabe Space as a leading policy organisation on parks and green space and the development of Planning Policy Guidance (PPG 17),Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation. The section also illustrates Regional context in the Greater London Council, ‘London Plan’.
This section covers the parks local relevance in the Open Spaces Strategy, the local demographics of Perry Vale Ward and its areas of deprivation, local development and recent investment in the park.
Perry Vale ward boundary
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Mayow Park sits in the Perry Vale ward. A diverse Ward, but with an 2.2 LB Lewisham Policy approximate BME population of 30%, which is lower than the average
34% across Lewisham. It has a population of some 14,500 making it LB Lewisham Open Space Strategy one of the biggest wards in Lewisham. Some 50% of the population fall into the 15 – 44 age group category with 12% of the population 5 – 15 Mayow Park is categorised as a Local Park in Lewisham’s Open years old. Spaces Strategy 2005 – 2010, and in the council’s Unitary Development (Source – Neighbourhood Four profile – NHS Primary Care Trust – 2005, Plan, which is about to become the Local Development Framework Appendix 2) document. (Appendix 1) The strategy demonstrates that there
deficiencies areas in the Perry Vale Ward of local parks, district parks The ward has pockets of deprivation to the south west. and nature areas. (Appendix 3) (Appendix 4)
The Open Spaces Strategy identifies objectives, recommendations and actions for all open spaces in the borough. Whilst there are no specific recommendations relating to Mayow Park there are a number of generic recommendations that relate to the Perry Vale ward and Mayow Park.
Objective 2: To identify priority areas of deficiency and opportunities to address deficiencies
Recommendation 5 “The Council will seek to identify priority areas and to create new public open space and/or enhance public access to existing open space. “
Objective 2: Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation/Reducing Deficiency
Recommendation 6 “The Council works closely with the GLA and the Lewisham Biodiversity Partnership, to enhance the natural habitat of Mountsfield Park and other publicly accessible open spaces
within the areas of deficiency with a view to having them
designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and so
reducing the area of deficiency”.
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Recommendation 20 Recommendation 43a “The Council identify open spaces that require improved signage “In partnership with the Mayor of London, the Council will continue to within their boundaries and identify sites that merit directional protect wildlife sites and to promote public access to them”. signposting from busy thoroughfares.”
Objective 8: To understand and respond to issues of public safety to Open Space Strategy Ward consultation findings/areas of issue or reduce fear of crime. concern
The issue of public safety and fear of crime has been highlighted as a The need for better linkages and signage between open spaces concern in the consultation exercise. Whilst only 13% stated that they • Dog fouling in general did not feel safe when visiting open spaces almost half cited fear of • Anti-social behaviour, graffiti and vandalism crime as a major barrier to use. Key issues were identified as the need • The need for an on-site park ranger at Mayow Park for more sites with a visible staff presence, better lighting, improved • The requirement for public toilet facilities at Mayow Park entrances and the enforcement of byelaws. • Enforcement of byelaws and increased visible presence • Major rail corridors create physical barriers to access Currently Lewisham has 6 key parks that have an on-site park keeper presence. This figure will rise to 7 with the introduction of Telegraph Hill LB Lewisham Sustainable Community Strategy 2008 – 2020 Park following the completion of the Heritage Lottery restoration project. The Council has identified an additional 6 sites that if The Lewisham Community Strategy is intended to act as an resources were made available would benefit from having on-site overarching framework to improve community well-being, within keepers. These are Deptford Park, Hilly Fields, Ladywell Fields, Mayow which other local plans can link together and sets out a long term Park, Mountsfield Park, and Blackheath. However this would require vision for the borough. This document links to Lewisham’s Core significant additional resources and the Parks Services Team would Strategy and makes up the Local Development Framework for benefit from a major review particularly in light of the recent Lewisham. (Appendix 5) introduction of the Council Street Warden service as a means of patrolling neighbourhoods Objectives in the Community Strategy and Core Strategy aligned with the development of improvements for Mayow Park Objective 4: To improve linkages and connections within and are: between the open spaces network (Green Grid & Green Chain
Community Strategy The Sport and Leisure service, including parks and green spaces, was inspected by Best Value inspectors in August 2002. The inspectors Protect and enhance our parks, open spaces and biodiversity – recommended that the Council improve signage in parks and work Core Strategy with other council departments to improve signposting within the locality. Objective 4 : Climate Change Take action that supports environmental protection and improvement, and reduces pollution and improves local air quality, including those
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measures necessary to create a low-carbon borough and reduce the 2.3 Neighbouring open space and facilities adverse effects on climate change.
The following plans and maps show Mayow Park in context to other Objective 5: Flood risk facilities in the borough and neighbouring green space adjacent to Take action to protect the borough from the risk of flooding and Mayow Park. mitigate the effects of flooding from all sources, including the Thames,
Ravensbourne and Quaggy rivers Map 1shows the borough and its spread of open spaces. This plan
demonstrates very well that the Perry vale ward is short of green space Objective 6: Open spaces and environmental assets and that Mayow Park is somewhat isolated. Protect and capitalise on the important environmental features of
Lewisham such as developing the Green Grid, biodiversity and sites of Map 2, highlights the deficiency areas, Map 3, 4 and 5, show proximity nature conservation and open spaces, including the Green Chain of transport, shopping and community facilities. walk and the Waterlink Way Conservation Area The conservation area is situated in Lower Sydenham between Sydenham Road (the A212) and Mayow Park. Its boundary, is tightly drawn around the six roads comprising the Thorpes Estate, an Edwardian development on the site of the former garden of the Old House, which stood next to Sydenham Road until the early 20th century. The boundary encloses a compact area with a strong individual identity, both historically and in terms of the modern townscape. This area overlooks the park and adds to the Victorian heritage of the park
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2.4Local Development and funding initiatives the allocation of capital funding for all local authorities to improve existing and build new play areas for children. This funding has been
made available to local authorities through its Playbuilder and East London Line extension Pathfinder programmes.
Mayow Park lies between Forest Hill and Sydenham stations. Both of DCSF in partnership with Play England and with funding from BIG which will benefit from the East London Line extension in 2012. Running Lottery have produced guidance documents for Local Authorities that from Croydon to New Cross the line will bring better access to the City address play provision. and Docklands for South East London.
Guidance on design, value of play, attitudes to risk have emerged For Sydenham, Perry Vale and Forest Hill residents this development will and are now being recognised as standard policy for local authorities have a number of expected outcomes: in their Play Strategy documents.
Fundamental to this change is the acceptance that whilst fixed play A rise in house prices equipment has its place in parks and open spaces, the provisions of Housing developments taking place (Berkley homes are already varied play spaces that contain ‘natural play’ elements are more building 46 new homes on Perry Vale) valuable to children’s development and offers a more stimulating Increase in new residents migrating to the area environment. Opportunities for LB Lewisham to capture development funding for streetscape, station and green space improvements. Guidelines for the design of such spaces are provided through: Mayow Park has the opportunity to become an important open space in this context of new development in the ward, where large ‘Design for Play – A guide to creating successful play spaces’. open spaces are deficient. Play England and Department for Culture, Media and Sport 2008. (Appendix 6)
Play area funding ‘Designing and planning for play -public space lessons.
Advice encouraging local authorities to design natural play spaces 'The child's right to play is the citizen's first claim on the that allow children to use their imagination.’ community.' Cabe Space – 2008. (Appendix 7)
David Lloyd George, 1925
‘Guide to preparing play strategies -Planning inclusive play spaces In a relatively short space of time there has been a sea change in and opportunities for all London’s children and young people’. policy and guidance on children’s play areas and youth provision in Greater London Authority – 2005. (Appendix 8) parks and open spaces.
In ‘Design for Play’, the following ten design principles have been The emergence of the Children’s Plan (DCSF, 2007a) and subsequent identified for successful play spaces: play strategy consultation, Fair Play(DCSF, 2008a), indicated the need 1. Are ‘bespoke’ for all local authorities to produce Play Strategies and made available
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2. are well located Lewisham Council has agreed to match the funding with a further 3. Make use of natural elements £18,500. Groundwork has produced plans and applied for planning 4. Provide a wide range of play experiences permission for the new facilities. 5. are accessible to both disabled and non-disabled children 6. Meet community needs Planning permission has recently been approved and it is hoped that 7. Allow children of different ages to play together construction will begin in October 2009 with completion in December 8. Build in opportunities to experience risk and challenge 2009. The new accommodation comprises some three recycled steel 9. are sustainable and appropriately maintained containers which will be green in colour. They will be surrounded on 10. Allow for change and evolution three sides with the existing Cypress hedge and new planting will be This design approach has been accepted and endorsed through the added to the front of the containers. development of LB Lewisham’s Play Strategy. The full planning application is in Appendix 10. (Appendix9)
The DCSF three year programme (2008 – 2010), Pathfinder and Playbuilder, of funding to local authorities amounts to £235 million. By the end of the programme, some 3,500 new play areas will have been created.
LB Lewisham have benefitted from £1,154, million over the next three years for the transformation and creation of 20 – 25 innovative play spaces in the borough.
Mayow Park has been allocated £70,000 for youth and play provision improvements. The project criterion aims to create an area for older children which would give them a space in which to develop a range of physical skills and challenges while making friends.
Mayow Park Bowls club
The Club has raised £50,000 from the London Marathon Trust for new facilities adjacent to the bowling green. The club currently makes use of The Pavilion at the entrance of the park some 75meters from the green. The Pavilion is not is a habitable state and the club wanted to create a ‘Club House’ immediately next to the green.
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Envirowork Lewisham committee reports on the recommendations for adoption by the Council are in Appendix 11. Envirowork Lewisham is a social enterprise providing horticultural Outcomes for Mayow Park will mean no dogs will be permitted on the employment and training for unemployed local people in the central field area of Mayow Park. Implementation of the control orders borough. Local residents run the project, which undertakes community will be implemented once the current signage has been installed in based and private landscaping contract work. Envirowork is keen to the park develop delivery and funding partnerships for Mayow Park and is ideally placed to fundraise for such initiatives.
Glendale
Glendale is a national green service provider that undertakes the grounds maintenance for Lewisham parks and for Mayow Park. Their clients include those from private and public sectors.
Glendale Grounds Management works with Lewisham Council to improve the accessibility and quality of parks and open spaces. The range of services Glendale provides includes park development and maintenance, sports pitch management, sports and events management and Park Ranger services. Since 2000, Glendale has been responsible for the care and maintenance of Mayow Park, including the bowling green.
New Dog control orders
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (CNEA 2005) introduced new powers and fixed penalties for local authorities to counter and reduce environmental crime across the public realm. In March 2007 Mayor and Cabinet agreed that officers commence the statutory consultation for making a borough-wide dog control order so as to ensure effective dog related enforcement.
Local authorities are required to carry out statutory public consultation when proposing the making of a Dog Control Order. In order to listen to resident’s views on this important subject the consultation period was extended beyond the statutory 28 days to over 8 weeks. The full
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3.0 Mayow Park History
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3.0 History of Mayow Park until the road itself was developed) but otherwise the design of the park has changed little...” (Source – Steve Grindlay – Sydenham Society) On 29th May 1875, a "Plea for a People's Recreation Ground" appeared in the Sydenham, Forest Hill & Mayow Park, originally named Sydenham and Forest Hill Recreation Penge Gazette. It regretted that "all available land in Ground, is the borough's oldest municipal park. The opening of Mayow our neighbourhood is being taken for building purposes" Park on 1 June 1878 was a big occasion; ten thousand people filled and young people "meet and loiter about the roads, the park, and several hundred children marched through the area, congregate at every street corner, becoming a moral accompanied by bands and a horse-drawn carriage. The original pest and a nuisance". Furthermore, the poor had marble drinking fountain is inscribed with the following words: 'Erected nothing but "the streets, the music hall, the penny gaff by subscription in recognition of the services of the Rev W Taylor Jones or the public house for their evening's resort". MA in acquiring this ground for the public, 1 June 1878'. (Appendix 12)
This letter, written by Rev William Taylor Jones, headmaster of Sydenham College, led to the creation of Sydenham Public Recreation Ground (later renamed Mayow Park), the first public open space in the south of Lewisham.
By December 1875 the Lewisham District Board of Works had agreed that it would accept and "enclose, plant, and preserve [a suitable site] as an open space forever". Taylor Jones said, "The ground should be used for recreation, and not a mere ornamental or pleasure ground". By "recreation", he meant sports (football, cricket etc.). This comment makes clear the distinction between a "park", which was primarily ornamental, and a "recreation ground", which was primarily for sports.
At this meeting, Taylor Jones announced that Mayow Wynell Adams had offered 17½ acres of land for £8,500 (about half its market value).
Eventually contracts were exchanged and the Lewisham Board of Works began the task of preparing the ground. The site consisted of four fields, and while the hedges were cleared, the ancient hedgerow oaks were kept. The site had to be levelled and drainage installed, particularly in the central area, which was to be used for cricket. The surviving bank around this area was for spectators. The original layout did not include the main entrance from Silverdale (that had to wait
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1875 1894 – 1896
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1916 1951
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Present Day
1959/69
The OS plans shown demonstrate the changes to the park over the years. Interestingly the original layout has remained more or less intact with the original trees still in place. The bowling green was opened in 1948 and the tennis courts were built between 1951 and 1959. The children’s play area and the aviary also appeared sometime between these dates. There is also evidence of changes to the Lodge buildings over the years.
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4.0 Survey & Analysis
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4.0 Survey & Analysis 4.2 Description of the park – layout and facilities
4.1 Introduction Mayow Park, originally named Sydenham Recreation Ground, is the borough's oldest municipal park in Lewisham and is approximately just Prior to the development of the Masterplan for Mayow Park a over 6 hectares in size. The park has a bowls club, two tennis courts, a thorough survey and analysis of the site has taken place. This has children’s play area and a central field that has been used included site visits, desk based research and a walkabout with traditionally for cricket. The original drinking fountain installed at the stakeholders. Findings have been brought together under the opening of the park is still in the park, although it does not function. It following headings: also boasts a fine pavilion building known as the Lodge which is unfortunately in an increasingly bad state of repair and is not o A welcoming park accessible to the public. o A place to be active in o A place to be involved in One of the most striking characteristics of the park is its tree cover o A safe and secure place particularly the large oaks which have survived as mature specimens o An interesting place since the park’s opening in 1878. The setting for these trees is a park o A clean and well maintained park that is principally amenity grassland with some semi improved, neutral o A sustainable/ biodiverse park grassland
These themes are aligned with the Green Flag award themes and will The park has more than 20 veteran pedunculate oaks (Quercus robur), be revisited in the Masterplan proposals section and in due course the which represent the finest collection of such trees in the borough of Management plan for the park. Lewisham outside Beckenham Place Park. These provide the main conservation interest of Mayow Park and a defining collective feature The aim of the survey and analysis has been to identify issues, areas of that is unique to Mayow Park among other municipal parks in London. concern and opportunities for the site whilst at the same time undergoing Stakeholder consultation, which has served to enhance Very old trees, especially oaks, are particularly valuable for wildlife as our knowledge of the park they provide a tremendous variety of different niches, including sap runs, dead wood, holes, rot and fissures in the bark. A high diversity of invertebrates is usually associated with such trees, including many beetles whose larvae feed on dead wood. Amongst these are the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), a UK and London Biodiversity Action
Plan priority species. This impressive beetle is often seen in the park on summer evenings.
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A number of other scarce insects have been recorded here, including the nationally rare sycamore fungus beetles Cicones undatus and The perimeter fencing and shrubs adjacent to the edges of the park Synchita separanda, and the nationally scarce ant Lasius brunneus. are in places dense and overgrown. Gaps appear in the fence line and the original intent of the shrub beds has been lost in some cases. The park also has a good number of other fine, mature trees which date back to the initial landscaping of the park. These include: cedar (Cedrus sp.), pines (Pinus spp.), monkey-puzzle (Araucaria araucana), holm oak (Quercus ilex), hybrid black poplar (Populus x canadensis), lime (Tilia x europaea) and tulip-tree (Liriodendron tulipifera).
These trees have been noted by Lewisham’s tree officers and although they have not been given TPO status, are covered in LB Lewisham’s planning regulations. (Tree Survey Appendix 13)
Additionally the park has good areas of dense planted shrubbery composed of chiefly exotic species to be found chiefly on the boundaries of the park. Overall, a good range of birds are attracted to the site. A number of these nest here, including many of the species familiar in parks and gardens as well as the slightly less common nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker and coal tit.
The layout of the park has not changed since opening and paths circumnavigate the park around its central oval.
The park is surrounded by residential areas and access to the park is not hampered by busy roads. To the north the park is flanked by the Dacre housing estate and to the south the housing conservation area.
The open field area has an open characteristic with mown grass. This is flanked by a rough grass area to the east of the park. The children’s play area is modest in size and lies to the west of the park with an adjacent picnic area.
The facilities of the park are generally clustered to the south near the Lodge. These consist of the tennis courts and the bowling green, the former aviary site and the Lodge.
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4.3 Existing Conditions Plan
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Mayow Road South Mayow Road North
4.4 Survey and analysis themes
A welcoming place
Entrances
Entrances incorporate more than just gateways and the following features and structures all contribute in varying degrees towards people’s perceptions of Mayow Park as a welcoming place.
Mayow Park has four entrances located in each corner:
Mayow Road North Mayow Road South Recreation Road Silverdale
Each entrance retains many features contemporary with the park’s original construction. Key elements such as gates and pillars remain in varying degrees of repair. Three entrances have identical gates and brick pillars. Mayow Road North has no pillars but the same gates. Recreation Road Silverdale
The impact of each entrance is diminished by poor surfacing and Signage threshold paving details. It is clear from historical images, that the triangular plant beds opposite each entrance were filled with exotic A key element of making the park welcoming is making the park and manicured vegetation offering visitors a warm welcome. These accessible not only as a physical space but also intellectually through beds are sadly devoid of any ornate vegetation today and the enabling greater understanding of setting and direction. original designed impact has been entirely lost. Presently signage is located randomly throughout the park with no coordination in terms of design, direction, historical interpretation and factual information. This diminishes the public’s understanding of the
park’s historic significance and sense of place, can disorientate
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people unfamiliar with the locality and can confuse with no clear Furniture definition or sequence of information provided. Furniture within the park comprises seating and a “suite” of litter bins and dog bins. None of the original seats remain. Furniture is tired and unconnected with the park in terms of design and materials used. Seats are not inviting for the visitor to stay and linger in the park - they are purely utilitarian.
Paths
The park has a simple layout that lends itself well to the gentle sweep of the natural landform. The path layout is entirely the same as the day on which the park opened. In places the surfaces have completely eroded to leave the original hoggin exposed under several layers of asphalt. Poorly surfaced paths, causing discomfort and reducing the compliance of the park as an accessible space serve to diminish the welcoming nature of the park
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Buildings Play area
Mayow Road South entrance is the most welcoming of all four due to The current play area developed post 1951, offers a safe haven for the presence of the Pavilion, a mock Tudor affair which is an important parents and small children and is very popular and well used. It historic feature and a key focal point. contains basic play equipment and some area for seating and The Pavilion is gradually deteriorating through neglect and lack of picnicking. There is a lack of other play facilities in the area and the purpose. current play area does not cater for 8 – 13 years old. The play area holds potential and opportunities and has secured £70,000 from the Other buildings in the park are low key maintenance structures Playbuilder/Pathfinder play programme to make improvements. associated with the Envirowork compound adjacent to the Pavilion which are reasonably well screened. There is a utilitarian metal green The play area is located at the furthest point from the main site container adjacent to the bowling green. entrance and cluster of activity by Mayow Road South, the Lodge, and Bowling Green and tennis courts. It suffers from lack of natural surveillance by other park users because of this. The adjacent picnic area is, oddly, cut off from the play area rather than integrated within.
A place to be active
As the original deeds state Sydenham Recreation Ground was designed in pursuit of outdoor active recreation and not merely as a pleasure garden. In its current form, Mayow Park retains much of this ambition with several specific activities designed into its layout, alongside informal activities such as walking, and jogging.
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Tennis The tennis courts are a well used and free facility. They do not have an organised club or user group. The physical site offers basic facilities for park tennis. The courts would benefit from repair and improvement as access arrangements and boundary fencing and detailing are poor. The change in level required for the courts has resulted in an ugly, exposed concrete foundation that has a negative impact on the park at detail level. Cricket The oval green is a perfect setting for cricket and is well used by organised groups. There are plans for further development of cricket facilities from Envirowork. There is presently a rather tired cricket wicket cage in the south west corner of the site that does not appear to be
well used. This could be either sited better within the active zones of the park or removed entirely as it is visually intrusive on entering the site from Recreation Road.
Bowls
The bowling green is a dominant feature within the park due to the presence of mature evergreen foliage defining its regular boundary in an otherwise sinuous park layout. The club is one of the most active and organised groups in the park. Their facilities form part of the active cluster in the south east corner of the site.
Football The central Oval accommodates informal and organised football activity n the park. Lewisham Youth FC run team activities here from under 7’s up to under 18’s at youth level.
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Informal activity / jogging/ walking/ dog walking Want to Stay
Walkers and joggers form one of the main unrepresentative user Regular events and educational activities as outlined above will help groups in the park which affords gentle and sinuous pathways for this to increase community sense of ownership and involvement in the activity with slight changes in level. The main issue facing this group is park along with the refurbishment and use of the Pavilion building the state of the path surfacing addressed above. Fitness Trainers which can act as the hub for community activity. currently use the Park as an outdoor Gym. A safe and secure park A place to be involved Staff present on site The Park currently enjoys many groups of stakeholders that help facilitate events and activities. Picnic in the park, tree walks and Currently there is no park keeper on site and this leads to a perception consultation events have all taken place in the last 12 months. of insecurity and neglect. LB Lewisham and the grounds maintenance managers Glendale have made a commitment to provide one by It is important to develop this engagement by ensuring that there are March 2010. Envirowork presence and the bowling club populate the opportunities for all the community to visit and use the park, especially park and offers some security. young people. This can be achieved by the provision of better play facilities, natural play opportunities and provision of older play Overgrown shrubs equipment. Parent and cares should be catered for by providing sufficient benches, tables and shelter. Vegetation blocking views within the park is not a major problem; however there are issues with the boundary vegetation. Overgrown dense shrubs near the bowls club provide opportunities for nefarious Education activity and create a fearful atmosphere for visitors. In addition, breaks Mayow Park is rich in biodiversity, and many local people celebrate its in the vegetative boundary of the park allow entry into the park other mature trees. A tree identification trail could be installed in the park than the main gates. that aimed at both adults and children. A Mayow Park nature activity pack could also be produced to engage younger park users. An interesting park
Volunteering Heritage/ Signage and Interpretation There are various volunteering opportunities including – restoring the planting around the perimeter of the park, clean up days. These could If there is one thing that makes Mayow Park outstanding, it is its trees, be organised in collaboration with Envirowork and Friends of Mayow remnants of old hedgerows that have been allowed to grow to Park. maturity , they still clearly demonstrate the historic field pattern of the
land as it was before it became a park.
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Fascinating facts have emerged during the background research for A clean and well maintained park this study that is not readily available to every day park users at present. Mayow Park’s history is not apparent to site visitors, requiring The park has been maintained to the standard set out in the 2000 some form of interpretation. This includes: Parks Contract by Glendale Grounds Management. There has
however been no apparent delight in the way the park has been Tree information managed and the new Green Space Management and History of the parks creation Maintenance Contract 2010 - 2020 sets out to address deficiencies in Historic photos and plans the current contract. The new contract that commences in March
2010 will provide an on-site park keeper and site based gardener Some heritage features are lost, such as the aviary, original furniture, which will help to raise standards of maintenance in the park. A planting beds and others are no longer functioning such as the management plan will be written specifically for Mayow Park which drinking fountain and Pavilion. will detail how the contractor will improve the service and raise
standards. The management plan will also identify how key New signage has been produced for the main entrance however this stakeholders will interact in particular the arrangement with Envirowork has not yet been installed. The content of these signs is directional and Lewisham for the management of the former compound area. functional. A coordinated suite of signs that contain factual and interesting material relating to the park as described above would be The fabulous mature trees appear to require some attention to desirable. remove damaged or dead branches; there are several trees that are
dead but have not yet been removed and there is no recent survey Colour available to assess the quality of these trees and their impact on local
biodiversity. The main colour theme of Mayow Park is green. Generally a good thing but this was not always the case. Old photographs suggest that Paths upon entering the park there was a blaze of colour to greet you in each of the triangular plant beds. There is very little alternative colour The park’s paths surfaces are continually deteriorating to the point in Mayow Park and this is a striking absence. that they are no longer compliant with DDA regulations in places. They require urgent repair in the short term but as part of a longer term mission, they require careful resurfacing, edging and a development of a hierarchy through the masterplan process.
Bins
Bins and treatment of litter in the park is generally basic. Rudimentary bins are dotted throughout without any real consideration of positioning. There is no obvious composting or recycling facilities apparent in the main park.
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Sense of pride Green building
The active Friends Group, Sydenham Society, Bowling Club and other The management plan should contain objectives that cover future organisations that use the site, clearly demonstrate a sense of pride in building specifications and can set the bar high in terms of what is Mayow Park. They organise activities such as picnic in the park, tree acceptable from a sustainability point of view. dressing events, bird watching and tree walks, fundraising for improvements and acting as the eyes and ears of the community on Composting and recycling problems such as antisocial behaviour, drinking and drug taking. There are no obvious signs of onsite composting, rain harvesting or Local campaign blogs state that the park is “neat and tidy and much recycling facilities as stated above. Again this should be a key cherished by the local residents”, clearly demonstrating a sense of objective within the management plan. local pride. Increased awareness of the issues relating to the park and its Nature enhancement and preservation underlying history are essential in encouraging a continual stream of interest, local pride and a clear sense of place for local park users and The park has much to recommend it as a site with good biodiversity visitors. potential. Its mature tree canopy offers great scope to conserve and enhance habitats. The meadow area is a positive management A sustainable/ biodiverse park approach that could be designed better into the park through a careful mowing regime and a designed approach to path making
and edging. There is further scope to spread the meadow habitat to Under this definition the development of good management regimes the wider, less well used fringes of the park. and the creation of opportunities for sustained community involvement are crucial. Lower maintenance regimes and erosion of facilities have governed the way the park has evolved in appearance and to some extent, how it functions. This has led to erosion in the quality of experience and value to the local community. Sustained improvements to the park have to be supported by Stakeholders and the local community to assist in fundraising, organising activities, and being vigilant for the park.
Sustainable materials
A management plan would set objectives on specification and use of materials to ensure correct standards are met.
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4.5 Survey and Analysis Summary Improve the Oval turf to Theme Headings Opportunities accommodate sporting activity 1. A welcoming Refurbish & upgrade the quality & improve drainage park gateways Develop a coordinated Upgrade threshold paving to calendar of events to support define park from street the use of the Oval Bring back some of the glorious Relocate cricket nets entrance horticulture Consider screening or cladding Introduce a coordinated suite of the new bowls containers site specific signage Ensure paths are safe & Refurbish paths to recreate the resurfaced original sweeping curves Perhaps develop a hierarchy of Introduce a suite of furniture pathways in the park Develop business case to Encourage community & encourage use of the Pavilion as a stakeholder engagement public facility housing cafe, wcs, through volunteering, education, changing rooms, events hire, tea accessibility & inclusion garden etc 4. A safe and secure Consider appropriate use of place lighting and check the feasibility 2/3. A place to be Use periphery spaces to site and impact active in/ A place to boundaries for natural play Assess current shrub cover, be involved in Consider relocation of the species and habitat, and existing play area to a site closer consider management regime to the Pavilion if refurbished to ensure clear views and safe Consider introducing older planting zones children’s play facilities as part of Welcome new park keeper overall proposals 5. An interesting Introduce historical Consider integrating picnicking place interpretation facilities with play facilities Introduce new seating and Upgrade the tennis courts furniture with link to historical surfaces, fencing & access furniture arrangements Develop a marketing plan for Disguise the change in level by the park to advertise its heritage introducing new shrubbery Refurbish heritage features in the park
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Bring more colour into the 4.6 Recommended actions planting palette of Mayow Park,
taking inspiration from historical Detailed Background Research park photos To develop comprehensive funding applications further research Deliver higher horticulture an and background studies will be required to support a well standards considered approach in the realisation of the masterplan proposals. 6. A clean and well Develop a management plan These will include: maintained park specific to Mayow park
Record, assess and action work Management Plan- comprehensive management plan that is to the trees and vegetation bespoke to Mayow Park, taking into account the proposals that are within the park emerging from this masterplan Further develop active links with
Envirowork Lewisham Tree Survey - comprehensive mapping, assessing, grading and Refurbishing paths surfaces and actions to feed in to the management plan and master plan developing a hierarchy of walks objectives, including placing TPO’s on the veteran oaks Implement sustainable
management practices in the Ecology Survey – carry out a Phase One habitat survey of the park, park and take this to further detail recommendations such as a bat Use marketing opportunities from survey if findings suggest further research would be beneficial. LB Lewisham and Glendale to
promote the park to a wider Topographical Survey – Essential to plot the features of the park, its audiences levels, trees and paths in an accurate and measured way for use in
future detail proposals. 7. A sustainable/ Develop a management plan biodiverse park specific to Mayow park Heritage Assessment – this will be required if future funding bids to Conduct an ecological survey bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund are to be made. There are Management & simple clearly some local historians who could become involved in this as a maintenance to boundary defined project. species
Creative mowing regimes of the Community & Stakeholder Engagement meadow area and This is an ongoing process that will take a momentum when support development to other park for the masterplan proposals is gained. This could tie in to a phased areas programme of actions in the long, medium and short term as a means of sustaining community support and keeping expectation measured.
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Business plan for the Pavilion Draw up a comprehensive business plan for the Pavilion which will include structural survey, refurbishment costs, running costs and soft market testing business operators and possible investment. This will be essential in bringing the Pavilion back to active use. There are several case studies of similar structures revitalising London parks and this will be viewed by all leading funders as an essential criteria to any funding application.
Further develop the partnership with Envirowork Further develop partnership opportunities with Envirowork, the Council and Glendale to manage delivery and development of service delivery in the park.
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4.7 Opportunities Plan
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5.0 Stakeholders and engagement
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develop cricket nets, pitches and facilities to support such activity. 5.0 Stakeholders and engagement Currently plans are in the very early stages and Envirowork are in discussion with LB Lewisham on gaining the lease for the pavilion in 5.1Local Stakeholders Mayow Park.
Mayow Park benefits from a number of local stakeholders who participate in caring for the park, delivering community involvement projects/programmes and raising awareness of the park.
Groundwork has identified the following stakeholders and engaged with them during this Masterplanning process.
Envirowork Lewisham - www.enviroworklewisham.co.uk
Envirowork Lewisham is a social enterprise providing horticultural employment and training for unemployed local people in the borough. Local residents run the project, which undertakes community based and private landscaping contract work.
Supervised trainees deliver work including ecological conservation and general open space maintenance. Trainees can gain qualifications including Institute of Groundsmanship National
Practical Certificate, City & Guilds Level 1 in Horticultural skills and a Foundation Certificate in Health & Safety in the Workplace.
Envirowork restored the open space behind the pavilion in Mayow Envirowork nursery in Mayow Park Park where they re-established a plant nursery. It won a Lewisham’s Localities Fund bid for improving ward streetscapes, and now Glendale: www.glendale-services.co.uk provides hanging baskets and planters for town centres. Glendale is a national green service provider that undertakes the Current Projects: grounds maintenance for Lewisham parks and for Mayow Park. Their Envirowork has a desire to form a partnership project with LB clients include those from private and public sectors. Lewisham and Teach Sport to develop sports and community facilities in Mayow Park and Hilly Fields. Funds are being sought from Glendale Grounds Management works with Lewisham Council to a variety of sources including the English Cricket Board to help improve the accessibility and quality of parks and open spaces. The
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range of services Glendale provides includes park development The Club has recently raised £50,000 from the London Marathon and maintenance, sports pitch management, sports and events Trust for a new club house (see section 2.0). management and Park Ranger services. Since 2000, Glendale has been responsible for the care and maintenance of Mayow Park, Friends of Mayow Park – FOMP www.mayowpark.wordpress.com including the bowling green. FOMP is a voluntary group that has been active since 1993. The Bowls Club Opening 1948 Friends represent local park users and aim to work with stakeholder groups to improve and maintain facilities within Mayow Park. They have ten core members and meet quarterly, with some ad hoc
meetings.
Some of the group’s achievements include campaigning for Envirowork to take over and restore the old depot behind the Bowls pavilion, tree planting, organizing a celebration of the park’s 125th anniversary in 2003, establishing a picnic area next to the play area and mapping the ancient oaks in the park. They also run annual events such as bird and tree walks.
In May 2009, the Friends consulted with young people to find out what they want and need from Mayow Park.
They have identified an area on the north side of the park for young people. As a result of their consultation, young people said that they wanted an outdoor table tennis table, a trim trail and seating. This area runs adjacent to the Dacres Estate.
On 12th July, the Friends of Mayow Park have supported the Sydenham Festival in its Picnic in the Park at Mayow Park.
Future Projects: FOMP have plans to refurbish the fountain in the Mayow Park Bowls Club park. They are in discussion with the Metropolitan Drinking Fountains The Mayow Park Bowls Club is well established in the community and Cattle Trough Association who have quoted £14k for the and has been active since its opening in 1948. necessary work. Given this cost, the FOMP are considering a new It currently has 28 members and during the bowls season, meets on water fountain near the children’s play area as a cheaper option. a daily basis. It accepts members aged from 14 upwards.
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The Friends have also set up a blog and Facebook site to create an Teachsport-www.teachsport.org open forum for discussion for local people interested in the park. They recently published their first newsletter. (Appendix 14) In 1999, Teachsport was set up as the Lewisham Sports Academy to improve sports provision for local children. The project has grown Sydenham Society: www.sydenhamsociety.com and is now a recognized sports provider in the area. They are currently developing a partner approach with Envirowork Lewisham Formed in 1972, the Sydenham Society is a voluntary organization to deliver quality sports activities in Mayow Park that aims to “stimulate public interest and promote civic pride; promote high standards of planning and architecture and secure Teachsport offers coaching and tutoring to over 50 schools in South conservation and enhancement of amenities.” London. Its ethos is to encourage young people to engage with sports and physical activity for life. They work in Mayow Park during The Society has over 1000 members. The Society has 4 committees term time, offering after school sport sessions in football, basketball, that each meet 8 times a year. Its area of interest focuses on SE26 tennis, etc to 7-14 year olds. In the holidays, they deliver soft-play for and SE23 in general, although it regularly includes information about under 5s between 12-5pm, Monday to Saturday. Mayow Park on its website. The group was active in campaigning to Teachsport have highlighted that the provision of a dog free area bring the East London Line to south London. would have a positive impact on their ability to deliver sports activities for young people in the park. Members of the FOMP are also members of the Sydenham Society. Safer Neighbourhood Team/ Lewisham Council: Play Services www.met.police.uk/teams/lewisham/perryvale/index.php
Chris Ball is the Project Manager and budget holder for the The Perry Vale Safer Neighbourhood team is responsible for Mayow Playbuilder Fund. The scheme has funded the Friends of Mayow Park. There are 9 Police Support Community Officers, 2 Police Park to improve existing or create new natural play space for 8-14 Constables and 1 Sergeant working in the ward. There are no crime year olds (the funding can be used for the existing play area and/or statistics available for Perry Vale ward, however, according to elsewhere in the park). The play areas should encourage use by Metropolitan Police statistics, Lewisham borough is average for children with special needs. crime within London.
The funding is for Year 3 (10/11) work could not begin before May The team identified the main areas of concern for the park as the 2010. The scheme promotes a community led approach, so any bowls green and pavilion being broken into and vandalized and consultation could be carried out via the FOMP, Dacres Estate TRA some evidence of anti social drinking. or Glendale’s. The funding does not include consultation. The scheme requires that projects undertake ongoing consultation, They also felt that the general poor condition of facilities (fences, Lewisham have questionnaires that could be distributed via the benches, etc) in the park does not encourage a sense of pride or groups above once the project is finished to see how park use has ownership and so become prone to vandalism. changed.
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Mayow Park is not considered to be a major concern for the Safer school meals. It also has a higher than average proportion of Neighbourhood Team. The team felt there were adequate facilities students with learning difficulties and physical disabilities. in the vicinity of the park to cater for children and young people like The school currently has a no recreational relationship with Mayow the Kilmorie School Family Centre, and events like the Picnic in the Park, because the small size is inadequate for its needs. The school’s Park for the organized by Sydenham Arts Festival. Sports Day is held at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. Forest Hill School hosts the AGM of the FOMP and would support any Kilmorie Children’s Centre development of Mayow Park
Kilmorie Children’s Centre is based in Kilmorie Primary School, and is Brent Knoll School /www.brentknoll.lewisham.sch.uk attached to a nursery class. The centre was designated in October 2007. It has 700 children registered to use the services, with 20-25 Brent Knoll School is a mixed special school located on Mayow families using the centre per day. Road. It caters for over 130 pupils aged between 4 and 16 years old. Its pupils have conditions including “speech, language and social The centre provides services including Family Support, Child and and communication difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, Family Health Services, links to Job Centre Plus and Children’s including Asperger's Syndrome; physical disabilities and mild Information Services. During summer 2009, it ran sessions such as learning difficulties.” Brent Knoll School is also responsible for the Health Visitor Baby Clinic, Toy Library ‘Stay & Play’, and Early management of the University Hospital Lewisham Education and Intervention Drop-in sessions. Its catchment area covers Forest Hill, Outreach Service. The pupils of Brent Knoll regularly make use of Perry Vale, Sydenham and Bellingham wards. Rock & Pebbles runs Mayow Park for both lessons and recreation. and breakfast Club and After School Club from the centre. Dacres Estate TRA Rocks & Pebbles has used Mayow Park for activities. The centre had plans to run a football club this summer, but had little up take. The Dacres Estate TRA has been active for the past 13 years. It is made centre is open to helping in the consultation process with local up of approximately 30 members including its core members, block families. representatives, tenants and others. It meets bi-monthly. The Dacres Estate TRA sends representatives to FOMP meetings; they would be Forest Hill School/www.foresthill.lewisham.sch.uk interested in being involved in further consultation on the future of the park. Forest Hill School is a comprehensive school for boys aged 11-19. It has over 1400 pupils, with 200 in its sixth form. The school has The TRA recognizes that teenagers have been underrepresented in specialist status of a performing arts college. Forest Hill School is terms of provision of facilities the park. They see the removal of located on Dacres Road. facilities in the park an ongoing problem. The TRA would like to see more cross-generational and cross-gender sports facilities in the Forest Hill School has higher than average proportion of students park. Their suggestions include a skate park and cycle track. with English as an additional language and of those eligible for free
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The TRA have received £58k from the Lewisham Homes’ Resident Young people and children, dog walkers, joggers. Led Programme for a small play area for under 9s and concrete benches on the estate. Work is due to go on site in August 2009. Whilst there is definite evidence to suggest that these users groups do exist and use the park frequently, there are no formal groups in Given that these projects have been developed by the community evidence to discuss the park and their aspirations for it. within the same ward, it can be understood that there is a perceived lack of play provision in the area. 5.3 Community engagement and communication
5.2 Other park users Mayow Park along with its stakeholders and park users can be seen to be proactive in providing activities and engagement Tennis opportunities.
The park contains two tennis courts. Free to use for all ages. There is There are a number of opportunities for engagement through the no booking system. Presently there is no organised group of use of the internet and forums and blog sites are numerous. For stakeholders to represent the tennis players in Mayow Park. example – The Sydenham Town Forum, Sydenham Society, local history blogs, local councillor web sites, LB Lewisham local assembly sites, as well as many images of Mayow park on the Flicker website. All points to an active and engaged community
Notable recent community activities have taken place in the last 12 months have included the Sydenham Arts Festival and Friends of Mayow Parks Picnic in the Park in July 09. Tree dressing events, tree walk and bird walk events and youth consultation on play areas.
This level of engagement is admirable and can be extended to include the local schools and housing estates close by.
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5.4 Groundwork walkabout Questions in the booklet were as follows:
What do you like about the park? What do you dislike about the park? How would you improve it? How well is the park maintained? How could it be improved? What do you think about the facilities in the park? How safe do you feel in the park? How easy is it for you to get to the park? Anything else you would like to say?
The responses and the monitoring information on the attendees were collated into an evaluation report which can be found in Appendix 15
The Groundwork walkabout took place on Saturday 15th of November 2008. The aim of the walkabout was to highlight the masterplan project to stakeholders and to generate some debate about the park. This in turn from informal discussions and the filling in of a questionnaire allowed Groundwork to identify issues and areas of concern in the park. It also gave residents and stakeholders alike the opportunity to raise aspirations for the future of the park.
The walkabout started with an introduction to the Groundwork team and the masterplan project. The attendees were then invited to walk around the park and stop at several stopping points along the way.
Each attendee was given a booklet in which to record their responses.
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5.5 Monitoring figures for the walkabout attendees.
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5.6 Conclusions
From the walkabout findings and from informal discussions with stakeholders and other park users we can draw a number of conclusions about the park. These conclusions have served to assist with our survey and analysis of the park and for the masterplan proposals.
Good things Bad things Improvements Locality Pavilion Open pavilion Trees Paths Cafe Open Space Poor maintenance Toilets Nature Entrances Better play area
Non threatening Lack of colour More for YP
Sense of belonging Fencing Park keeper Heritage Lack of pride Drinking fountain Tennis Lack of toilets Better maintenance Exercise No toilets close to Better lighting opportunities play area Dog walking Vandalism Drainage Dog fouling Tennis court quality Signage Nothing for Young People (YP)
When asked to put in order their five priorities for the park these were the results:
1. Park Keeper 2. Paths and fencing 3. Management and maintenance 4. Planting and drainage 5. Toilets
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6.0 Masterplan Proposals
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6.0 Masterplan proposals Create wider opportunities for community engagement through play, sports and leisure and the creation of clear 6.1Vision and characterisation zones for relaxation
Deliver strong horticultural and arboriculture standards and Mayow Park is an important Local Park in Lewisham with significant practises natural features. It is well used and highly regarded by the local people it serves. The park currently thrives on organised activities Re- establish the parks original design and intent and events; however its infrastructure has suffered due to underinvestment and simplified management activities. Mayow Create opportunities for activity on the fringes of the park Park requires significant funding to upgrade its existing infrastructure. associated with a pleasure ground concept especially near This will include restoration of its rich landscape heritage to bring its the four main entrance gates past back to life for new and future generations. Create opportunities for a mix of biodiverse habitats Mayow Park is significant on a local level, bringing much needed throughout the park which can be used as natural play open space to a Ward that is deficit in green space provision. Its areas and habitats for wildlife framework of mature trees is its defining characteristic and a key link with the parks past rural landscape.
Mayow Park is sited in an up and coming area with the arrival of the East London line extension to Lewisham in 2012 and the associated potential rise in demand for properties, as well as regenerative investment. In turn the demands on local green space provision will increase. This masterplan and vision provides the opportunity for Mayow Park to be celebrated as a special place at the centre of the local community for the local community.
6.2 Aims
Upgrading of features, facilities and refurbishment of inherent strong characteristics
Raise awareness of the park through events, publicity and education activities
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6.3 Concept masterplan
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6.4Character areas description
In response to our findings in the survey and analysis section of this The Oval report that resulted in identified opportunities and recommendations, we have defined a series of key areas and This large central forms the heart of the park. It’s clearly defined cluster projects to take our vision to a reality. and simple shape provides the space we need to further enhance Mayow Park as a recreation ground, in line with our The Meadow recommendations. We see this area as the place to offer organised sporting activities. Its strong shape will be redefined, the turf will be The meadow area will be enhanced taking recommendations from upgraded, seating will be provided to the edges of the oval, the a commissioned ecological survey. Mown strips and pathways will shelter will be reintroduced and the dog enforcement area will be be designed into the meadow. It will be extended to the boundary actively monitored. The edge trees will be managed to ensure good fringes of the site, designed into the landscape. health and further longevity. Any drainage problems will be addressed and the site will be managed to a coordinated events The Pleasure Garden, Herbaceous Walk and Shrubbery calendar.
The Pleasure Garden will be re established using high quality, colourful planting beds at each site entrance, incorporating the revitalised shelter, refurbished drinking fountain, refurbished seating terrace to the Bowling Green and new feature artwork on the site of the former aviary.
As part of our desire to reintroduce horticulture and colour back into Mayow Park once again, a scented and colourful walk will be created, leading from the Pavilion and tea garden to the oval past the bowling green and as far as the tennis courts. This will provide a strong connective feature between the pleasure garden area and the recreation ground area at the oval. It will also serve as a screen to the unsightly edge detail that surrounds the tennis courts, disguising a necessary change in level.
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The Great Trees facilities, offering refreshments and WCs. It will gain from surveillance and an improved natural setting. Existing play facilities will be reused A full tree survey and assessment will be carried out as a priority and retained within the scope of the new proposals. Additional play recommendation. This will inform the management plan on how the features will be introduced to the northern perimeter areas of the trees will be cared for in a planned future works programme. In park for older children where the site is presently underutilised. addition the trees will be highlighted and celebrated through interpretation materials, as part of the signage project for the park The Gateways and Boundary Fences but also as printed material. Raising awareness of the unique characteristics of the tree cover in Mayow Park is something that will Upgraded gateways will provide clear directions to areas inside the be done in liaison with local groups through their ongoing organised park as well as connections to other open spaces. Improved events and walks in the park. surfacing and threshold detailing will define the change from highway to park. Internal boundaries with be redefined through use of metal estate style railings and external railings will be upgraded The Recreation Grounds repaired and replaced where necessary.
A clear distinction between recreation zones and relaxation zones will be defined as described though use of quality planting and good directional signage. This master plan support s the continual upgrading of facilities in the park, the Bowling Green, the cricket pitch, tennis court and football facilities. It is important to ensure the site retains its recreation ground focus. The cricket pitch will be installed within the foreseeable future. The bowling club will receive new facilities within the next few months. Pedestrian entrances will be upgraded as part of the master plan proposals, and the original terrace will be upgraded and furnished with seats, bins and picnic tables. Tennis courts will be refurbished and upgraded with entrances improved as part of these masterplan proposals.
The Playful landscape
We see play as an intrinsic part of the active park, something that spans the recreation ground and pleasure garden. By taking the entire park into consideration, play will be designed into several different locations. When the Lodge and tea garden area have been refurbished, play will be introduced to an area closer to these
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The Pavilion
The refurbishment of the Pavilion into an active community facility, incorporating cafe, information hub, events and meeting space, WC facilities and park keeper’s accommodation is a key objective of our proposals. This will become a major focal point within the park and will without doubt; change the dynamic of how the park is used. We see the Pavilion refurbishment as a catalyst for many other recommended actions to happen. A strong business case can be made and working alongside other park groups such as Envirowork Lewisham, will achieve a community facility that will be truly worthwhile.
The Tea Garden
The realisation of a refurbished Pavilion will automatically ensure that the garden area surrounding the building will be upgraded. This will be known as the tea garden, an area to take light snacks from the cafe, to meet, sit and relax. By bringing people out into the open air we will allow greater connection with the wider park and surveillance of neighbouring spaces. The garden would be upgraded to create a delightful space that incorporates good quality horticulture, bringing colour and scent back to the park and making the park an inviting place for passersby.
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7.0 Costs and funding streams Supply and lay 20mm depth resin £12,000.00 bound wearing course to main 7.1 Estimated capital costs park entrance area on laid bitmac. Supply and lay reclaimed stone £11,000.00 COST paving to park entrances laid on Preliminaries sand bed and close jointed with Allow 5% Landscape Works for £35,752.50 concrete haunch. Excavation Contract Preliminaries and granular sub base. Supply and install self binding £19,500.00
gravel to secondary walk. Allow Restoration Works for excavation, edge realignment, Restore and refurbish extant £10,000.00 geotextile membrane, granular gateways including metal work, sub base and 38mm timber edge. painting, fixings and fittings and
brick pillers. Planting Refurbish drinking fountain to full £7,500.00 Selectively prune and remove £3,500.00 operational order, inclusive of dead or dying / aggressive self regulating paving at base and seeders from perimeter shrub beds new paving surround Restore and refurbish bowling £18,000 Remove selected dead dying £5,000.00 green seating terrace, inclusive of decayed or self set trees grub up walls, pavings, access and new roots and chip on site to produce feature seats mulch. Retain logs for natural play Paved Areas area. Excavate existing macadam £29,500.00 Native tree planting EHS 14-16cm. £3,750.00 footpaths to regulating depth and Tree pit, staking and sundries. remove off site to contractors tip Ornamental shrub and bulb £36,000.00 planting at 4/m². 2-4litre pots. Supply and lay dense bitumen £191,750.00 Plant bed preparation and 50cm macadam paving to all footpaths depth mulch. suitable for light vehicular access with timber edging. Excavation, Plant new hedge to Envirowork £650.00 edge realignment, drainage and boundary granular sub base.
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Native boundary planting - £10,000.00 Supply and install park £12,000.00 supplement and extend existing interpretation signs, research, planting to site boundaries infill graphics and steel lectern. Allow with less aggressive fruiting and for excavation, muck away and wildlife attracting plants concrete foundation. Supply and plant bulbs in grass £5,000.00 Supply and install timber picnic £7,500.00 areas at 25/m². benches and tables. Allow for Treat surface and over sow with £7,500.00 excavation, muck away and suitable wild flora seeds to concrete foundation. meadow area. . Natural Play Space Lay new ornamental lawn to Main £2,475.00 Supply and install large timber £50,000.00 Mayow Road entrance items of Richter or other similar Site Furniture play equipment. Allow for Supply and install heritage style £18,000.00 excavation, muck away, concrete park benches. Allow for foundations. excavation, muck away, concrete Play sand area. Excavation, £3,500.00 foundations timber edging, geotextile. Supply and install curved steel £15,000.00 Reclaimed tree trunk play £3,000.00 seats to base of trees specials. features. Allow for excavation, muck away, Concrete play tunnel. Earthworks, £10,000.00 concrete foundations foundations, haunching etc. Supply and install steel / timber £7,500.00 Earth mounding up to 1m high. £3,750.00 litter bin. Allow for excavation, Subsoil, 150mm topsoil and turfing muck away and concrete 300mm depth loose fill play bark £16,775.00 foundation. IAS areas below play equipment. Supply and install steel dog waste £1,800.00 Timber edging, excavation, bin. Allow for excavation, muck granular sub base and geotextile. away and concrete foundation. 1.1m high rustic timber fence and £4,800.00 Supply and install bespoke steel £20,000.00 2No. Gates. Concrete park welcome and entrance signs. foundations. Allow for excavation, muck away Natural boulders for play and £2,250.00 and concrete foundation. seating. 1m dia. Granular sub base.
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Sports Facilities Top up play sand. Allow for 10% £1,000.00 Upgrade and refurbish 2 x court £45,000.00 settlement. tennis courts to recreational 937,253.13 standard including new propriety macadam / latex surface, markings, nets, coated galvanised weld mesh fencing and two new 7.2 Summary of capital costs, fees and surveys single leaf access gates Buildings and Structures Recreation Ground £937,253.13 Install new shelter structure to £25,000.00 architect's design. Fees including surveys £180,141.61
New metal estate fence with £68,000.00 Grand Total £1,117,394.73 double gate to Envirowork compound boundary
Create new bespoke art £15,000.00 installation / feature to site of aviary
12 months Maintenance Maintain 2900m² turfed areas. £4,800.00 Watering and mowing. Maintain ornamental planting bed £4,000.00 1200m² and 15No trees. Watering, weed control by hand, firm/straighten plants, and replace dead/dying plants. Maintain full depth of 50mm thick £1,500.00 mulch to 1200m² ornamental planting beds. Maintain native native woodland £750.00 flora planting Top up play bark IAS. Allow for £1,000.00 10% settlement.
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7.3 Sources of Potential Funding for Mayow Park
FUNDING DETAILS FURTHER INFO/ OPENING/ COMMENTS SOURCE HOW TO APPLY CLOSING DATES Big Lottery Community Spaces is part of BLF’s Changing See website at: The programme is NB Groundwork UK is Fund (BLF) – spaces Programme and aims to help community open on a rolling the award partner for Community groups to create or improve green or open spaces http://www.communi programme until Community Spaces. Spaces so the quality of life in neighbourhoods is ty-spaces.org.uk/ January 2011. Groundwork London enhanced. Community Spaces is currently only There is a 2 stage cannot apply open for small and medium projects (£10 to £50K). application individually to this The grant is mainly capital with only up to 25% process. A strand but could act as being available for revenue costs decision on Stage a delivery partner. Only
1 will be given community groups can Only community groups can apply which are within 10 weeks. apply for Community defined as “people living in one particular area or Spaces. group of people focused on a neighbourhood If successful at who are considered as a unit because of their Stage 1 groups common interests, background, nationality or other will be allocated circumstances”. Examples include Friends of a Facilitator to Groups, Park User Groups, Tenants and residents help with Stage 2. Associations. Decisions on stage 2 Examples of projects that can be funded include: applications are community gardens and parks, play areas, nature within 12 weeks reserves, ponds, informal sports and multi-use games areas.
Landfill Tax The trust funds projects up to £150K in exceptional Application forms are Initial online Groundwork has Community circumstances – with average award being £25- issued on receipt of a project overviews already submitted an Fund – 40K. brief project can be submitted application for Veolia Trust funds Cat A, B, D, DA and E of the landfill Tax overview, which aims at any time. Deptford Park and has Environmen Regulations. Category D and DA are relevant i.e. to determine whether The next deadline a couple of other tal Trust D –provision, maintenance or improvement of the project is eligible for full applications in other
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public amenities or parks within 10 miles of licensed from the outset. An applications is 23 areas of London. landfill site initial project October 2009. DA- conservation or promotion of biological overview can be They will however diversity. submitted using the accept up to 4 Projects need to be within 5 miles of a Veolia online application applications from one operation – Mayow Park is. form – a full organisation per year. application form will then be sent. For projects over £25K 20% must already have been secured. For more info see: http://www.veoliatrus t.org/
Landfill Tax Must meet either object D, DA or E of landfill tax Applications is by Deadline for next This scheme is very Community regulations. Expression of Interest EOI is 25th January heavily oversubscribed Fund – Projects should be within 10 miles of a landfill site followed by full 2010. with only £60K of Cemex and ideally within 3 miles of a CEMEX operation application if funding available in the Community (One in Sydenham). successful last round and Fund Funding available for up to £15,000 applications totalling See website at over £1 million. http://www.rmccf.org .uk/
Landfill Tax In the main grants scheme, funding is directed to See website at Applications can 10% 3rd party funding Community projects that: www.biffaward.org be made at any required. Fund – - provide and restore public amenities time. Applicant must be Biffaward - create restore and manage areas to An initial enrolled with Entrust as increase biodiversity expression of an Environmental Body In both the above schemes grants are available interest form (Groundwork is but we between £5-£50K. needs to first be have already Projects must be registered with Entrust and must completed submitted an be within 10 miles of a Biffa waste operation expression of interest (nearest in Wandsworth so Mayow Park OK) for Deptford park)
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Green Prints Funding for greenspace improvements projects See Stage 1 can be Flagships carried out by 16-25 years olds. Projects must be http://www.sitatrust.o submitted at designed, implemented and evaluated by 16-25 rg.uk/greenprints anytime year old volunteers. Funding up to 10K
City Bridge Charitable trust supporting charitable activity See website at Applications can Groundwork London house Trust across London. www.bridgehousegra be made at any are already holding a Funds a number of programmes one of which is nts.org.uk time. grant from CBT so London’s environment which aims to support the couldn’t apply at environmental education of Londoners and to present maintain and enhance London’s biodiversity. Usually only fund registered charities and mainly for revenue costs.
BLF – Reaching Communities aims to bring real See No closing date This scheme is very Reaching improvements to communities and the lives of http://www.biglotteryf at present heavily subscribed at Communiti people in need. One strand is to develop und.org.uk/prog_rea the moment es improved rural and urban environments, which ching_communities communities are better able to access and enjoy. Will fund between £10K and £500K. HLF – Parks Initiative between HLF and BIG to help with For more information Stage one closing Must have a very for people restoration and regeneration of public parks and see website at: dates are 31 strong heritage angle. gardens. August 2009 and Grants are available between £250K and £5 http://www.hlf.org.uk 1 March 2010. million. /English/HowToApply /OurGrantGivingProgr 25% of project costs must be raised from other ammes/Parks+for+Pe sources. ople/ Most applications expected to be from local authorities but other not for profit organisations that 2 stage application own public parks can apply. process
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HLF – Your To qualify for a grant, the project should help See guidelines at: Applications can Would need a very Heritage people to learn about their own and other http://www.hlf.org.uk be made at any strong heritage angle. people’s heritage and either conserve the UK’s /English/HowToApply time. diverse heritage for present and future generations /OurGrantGivingProgr to experience and enjoy or help more people to ammes/YourHeritage take an active part in and make decisions about / heritage.
Grants of £5-£50K are available
Sport Projects must seek to increase participation in For information on Applications can England – sport, sustain participation in sport or provide how to apply see: be made at any Small grants opportunities to excel at a chosen sport. http://www.sportengl time scheme Awards are for amounts from £300 to £10,000 and and.org/funding.aspx the total project cost should not exceed £50,000.
They will not fund running costs or salaries except for coaching costs or fixed term positions needed to meet a specific project requirement. Sport For more information Applications can Sportmatch can match sponsorship £1 for £1 which England - see the website at: be made at any has been given to an eligible sports body by a Sportmatch time via an online company, trust, charity, or private individual to http://www.sportengl application form fund projects that promote new participation at and.org/funding/spor grassroots level. tsmatch.aspx Sportsmatch is especially interested in targeting women and girls, BME groups and disability groups. Sportmatch won’t fund large capital projects involving construction or refurbishment. The panel can award funding for smaller capital projects (up to £25,000), but these decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis and are directed more towards non-fixed sporting equipment (e.g. artificial wickets, basketball nets, bowling machines, sight screens or boats). All capital projects must be
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focused on growing and sustaining participation. Sport This scheme will invest £10m a year of Lottery and See This scheme is England Exchequer money into innovative projects http://www.sportengl currently closed Sustainable capable of transforming the places where we play and.org/funding/sust for initial Facilities or take part in sport. Funding is for capital costs ainable_facilities.asp applications. only. x Need to look out for new opening There is a 2 stage dates probably in application process. 2010.
Football May be relevant if football to be provided in the For information on Applications can Foundation park how to apply see be made at any – www.footballfoundati time Community on.org.uk and facilities Schemes
London This trust provides or assists in the provision of No website This scheme Groundwork is already Marathon facilities for recreation and leisure activities within generally opens holding a grant for a Charitable the London Boroughs and City of London area. in May each year project in Greenwich. Trust until the end of Lewisham Council is August. already holding a grant Applications are for Mayow Bowls. then considered in December. Awards for Initiative is part of Lottery Funding and is available Funds can be Applications can More suitable for All to not for profit organisations. Grants are between applied for at any be made at any Friends Group to Apply £300 and £10K time. time. Projects must meet one or more of the following outcomes: Application pack Will be told if People have better chances in life - with better details on: successful within 6 access to training and development to improve www.awardsforall.org weeks their life skills. .uk
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Stronger communities - with more active citizens working together to tackle their problems. Improved rural and urban environments - which communities are better able to access and enjoy. Healthier and more active people and communities Land projects must be less than £25K in total and groups applying must own the land or have a lease. Planning permission must also be given before applying. O2 – It’s Programme aims to enable people to make real Guidelines can be Applications can More suitable for Your improvements to where they live. Projects must found at be made at any Friends Group to Apply Community benefit the local community’s environment or build http://www.itsyourco time Award community spirit. mmunity.co.uk/criteri a.aspx Projects from end September 2009 onwards must be youth focused and from then they will only support projects that help connect young people into their community. This can include setting up community gardens for example
Awards of up to £1000 are available. Awards may be used to hire tools, purchase plants, paints, signs and materials for example. B&Q One Through the Grant scheme, schools, community Apply through local More suitable for Planet groups and charitable organisations can apply to B&Q Store for Grants. Friends Group to Apply Living their local B&Q store for up to £250 of B&Q Link for more info: Grants and products to support a local community project. http://www.diy.com/ Awards Projects must support at least one of the following diy/jsp/bq/templates themes: 1) Save Energy 2)Conserve Nature 3) /content_lookup.jsp? Support Local Culture/Heritage 4) Grow your own content=/aboutband q/social_responsibilit Also The B&Q One Planet Living Awards are y_2007/better_neighb launched every January and offer up to £10000 of ourhood.jsp&menu=a B&Q products to 20 organisations across the UK boutbandq
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and Ireland which are working on projects that aim to enhance the local community or help us to return to ‘One Planet Living.’
St Modwen They support environmental projects that are near See guidelines at There are no Groundwork has Environmen their operation sites (Catford shopping centre and http://www.stmodwe deadlines but the recently secured a tal trust Leegate shopping centre in Lewisham.) nenvironmentaltrust.c next meeting for grant from them in o.uk/ large grants is in North London which The large grant scheme supports project worth £10- December 2009 has had a very long 25K and the small grant scheme supports projects and applicants turnaround time. up to £10K. have been advised to submit applications well in advance of the meeting.
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8.0 Summary
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8.0 Summary Enhance education and community engagement opportunities through heritage interpretation
Mayow Park, Lewisham’s oldest municipal park is clearly a well Refurbish the Pavilion and create a community hub and tea loved and cherished park in a Ward that is deficient in greenspace. garden The pressure on this green space is growing as the population grows in the area and demands for recreational, sport and play facilities Management increase. Develop a robust park management plan and business plan The park currently is in need of a number of interventions to raise the for the park and the Pavilion overall quality of the park, provide new opportunities for new audiences and preserve the past heritage. Deliver strong horticultural and arboriculture standards and practises Through research, stakeholder consultation and site appraisal work, the masterplan document aims to reflect these aspirations and Ensure sustainable horticultural and building management ambitions. These aspirations have been captured in the overall aims practises are used throughout and vision statements in the document and have been summarised in the masterplan concept plan and the description in the Create a visible permanent staff presence on site by characterisation areas. employing a Park Keeper and further developing partnerships with Envirowork Lewisham. It is important to stress that the plan has reflected the aspirations of stakeholders and has aimed to celebrate and preserve the heritage Biodiversity of the park. Create opportunities for a mix of biodiverse habitats Summary of park plans: throughout the park which can be used as natural play areas and habitats for wildlife Heritage and Conservation Preserve the existing tree species that provide valuable Preserve the veteran trees and retain park character habitat for species
Re- establish the parks original design and intent Sport and recreation
Create opportunities for activity on the fringes of the park Refurbishment and upgrading of existing facilities. associated with a pleasure ground concept especially near the four main entrance gates Reinstatement of facilities previously in the park (cricket green and nets)
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Revitalise and provide more comprehensive facilities for children and young people
Community engagement
Raise awareness of the park through events, publicity and education activities
Create wider opportunities for community engagement through play, sports and leisure and the creation of clear zones for relaxation
Create a community ‘Hub’, in the Pavilion
Implementing the Masterplan
It is recommended that the Masterplan is accepted by Stakeholders and LB Lewisham as a dynamic document which sets down aspirations and opportunities that can be updated and implemented over time. It is also recommended that it is seen as a partner document with a management plan.
Developing the whole park will take significant investment and it is unlikely that funding for a whole park approach will be allocated from a single source. It is more likely that the Masterplan document can be used to action a phased improvement approach and gives the added advantage of all partners and stakeholders an overall vision for the park. It is envisaged that local stakeholders, voluntary sector agencies and the Council will work together to develop funding bids. This is a huge advantage for external funders and the masterplan document can be used to further funding bids.
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