Leisure Services Whitworth Park

Management Plan 2011 – 2016

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Contents:

1. Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Summary Information ...... 4 References Available are: ...... 5 1.2 Manchester Parks – An Introduction ...... 6 1.3 Strategic Policy Framework ...... 6 2. Where Are We Now? ...... 9 2.1 History ...... 9 2.2 The Locality ...... 13 2.3 Audit ...... 15 2.4 Map of Existing Facilities / Zone Map ...... 16 2.5 A Welcoming Place ...... 17 2.7 Healthy, Safe and Secure...... 18 2.8 Well Maintained & Clean ...... 19 2.9 Sustainability ...... 20 2.10 Conservation and Heritage ...... 20 2.11 Community Involvement ...... 21 2.12 Marketing ...... 23 3. Where Do We Want To Get To? ...... 26 4.1 Development Matrix 2011 ...... 33 4.1 Development Matrix 2011 ...... 37 4.1 Development Matrix 2011 ...... 40 4.2 Development Matrix 2011 ...... 43 4.3 Development Matrix 2011 ...... 46 4.4 Development Matrix 2011 ...... 50 4.5 Development Matrix 2011 ...... 53 4.6 Grounds Maintenance ...... 55 4.6.1 Contract Summary ...... 55 4.6.2 Grounds Maintenance Performance Monitoring ...... 56 5.1 Management Plan ...... 58 5.2 Performance Indicators ...... 58 5.3 Incident Reports ...... 58 5.4 Satisfaction Surveys & Feedback ...... 58 5.5 Ward Coordination Action Plans ...... 59

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1. Introduction

Whitworth Park War Memorial to 7th Battalion, Manchester Regiment

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1. Introduction

1.1 Summary Information

Park Name Whitworth Park

Park Address Whitworth Park c/o Platt Fields Park The Lakeside Centre Fallowfield Manchester M14 6LA

Telephone 0161 224 2902 Fax 0161 276 7518

Ownership The Park is Leased from the University of Manchester and managed by Manchester City Council

Area Designation Central Area Parks

Category Community Park

Park Management Kylie Ward, Area Parks Manager Steve Dolan, Assistant Area Manager Ria Page, Park Warden

Plan Written By Ria Page, Park Warden In-conjunction with Friends of Whitworth Park and Partners listed below

Previous Plan Whitworth Park Management Plan 2004

Partners University of Manchester Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester Museum Street Scene Services Ward Councillors Greater Manchester Police Crime and Disorder Partnership Manchester City Council (Various Departments, see 1.3 and 2.11 below)

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Throughout this management plan reference is made to documentation, which supports the management of Whitworth Park. A decision was made to reduce the size and complexity of our management plan by omitting these documents, however we will be more than happy to make these documents available either electronically or hard copy on request.

References Available are:

 Whitworth Park Bi Weekly Park Checks

 Friends of Whitworth Park Minutes from Regular Meetings

 Friends of Whitworth Park Quarterly Newsletter

 Moss Side Ward Coordination Minutes from the Regular Meetings

 Neighbourhood Partnership Minutes from Regular Meeting

 Local Tasking Meetings – Minutes

 Whitworth Art Gallery Management Plan

 Whitworth Art Gallery Ecology and BioBlitz Report

 GMPTE Cross City Travel Plan (under review)

 Red Rose Forest, I:Trees Experiment Progress Report

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1.2 Manchester Parks – An Introduction

Manchester is the regional capital of the north west of England and the UK's largest economic region outside London. The City Council is committed to developing Manchester as a city of national and international significance where people wish to live, visit, work and play.

The City Council is equally committed to providing high quality visitor attractions and accessible cultural activities for local people, particularly through the city‟s diverse provision of parks and outdoor green spaces.

Manchester enjoys a rich and wide-ranging outdoor leisure provision within its green spaces, which include urban, and country parks, river valleys, water parks and urban fringe woodlands. Amenities within Manchester‟s open spaces include sports facilities, woodlands, historical features, horticultural centres, golf courses, lakes, outdoor centres, educational facilities and early years and play provision.

The involvement of local residents through a network of Friends and Tenants groups is well established. Depending on their capacity, sites host both major and local events and activities, offering a wide range of attractions to families and individuals from a diverse community.

Leisure Services is working to reverse the documented national decline of public parks during the last quarter of the 20th century, through the continued development, regeneration and promotion of its resource using research, good planning and the CABE space criteria for parks and open spaces.

Manchester City Council seeks to continually improve the City‟s parks and urban green spaces, and aspires to provide attractive, safe and welcoming outdoor recreational facilities for all residents and visitors to enjoy.

1.3 Strategic Policy Framework

As part of Manchester‟s Corporate Aims and Objectives, a number of key corporate and green space policies are implemented across Manchester‟s parks, aiming to deliver safety and equality of provision, safeguard and enhance local environments and neighbourhoods, and ultimately improve the quality of life for Manchester communities, enabling residents to participate fully in the City‟s park life.

These policies set the overall context within which parks are managed and developed, and although it is the green space policies, which have a primary impact, the other more general policies also have a direct or indirect effect in varying degrees. A list of these policies is given below. A brief précis of each is provided in the appendix. Copies of the full documents can be found in the Central Area Parks Office, and many can be accessed via the City Council web site

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Corporate Strategies and Policies:

 Manchester corporate objectives  Community Strategy (2006 - 2015) and Local Area Agreement  Children and Young People‟s Plan (2006 - 2009) (2009-2012 currently in final draft stages for consultation.  Manchester Play Strategy (2006)  Cultural Strategy (2002)  Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy (2005 - 2008)  Community Engagement Strategy (2003 – 2008)  Manchester Unitary Development Plan (UDP) (1995)

Park and Environmental Policies:

 Parks for All Seasons: a parks strategy for Manchester (2001)  Manchester Green Spaces Strategic Management Framework (2003)  Playing Pitch Strategy (2003)  Equal Opportunities Policies  Biodiversity Strategy „Walkabout Manchester‟ (2004)  Manchester Waterways Strategy (2004)  Manchester Tree Strategy (2006 – 2010)  A Climate Change Action Plan for England‟s North West (2007 - 2009)  Manchester Pesticide Policy (draft)  Manchester Park byelaws  Moss Side & District Centre Plan  Corridor Manchester  GMPTE Cross City Buss Proposals  Oxford Road Public Realm Works  Whitworth Art Gallery Capital Plan

Local Drivers  Friends Groups  Ward Coordination  Neighbourhood Partnership Meeting (formerly known as Local Area Partnership Meetings)  Local Tasking Meetings (LTM)

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2. Where Are We Now?

Whitworth Art Gallery

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2. Where Are We Now?

2.1 History

Whitworth Park lies across the original line of Rusholme Brook, a tributary of the River Medlock. This was the historic boundary between Rusholme and Chorlton-upon-Medlock until these two ancient townships separately became part of Manchester and then joined together as part of the new township of South Manchester in 1896.

The principal road through these townships was the turnpike from Manchester into Cheshire, now Oxford Road/Wilmslow Road at the city end of which many public buildings were established, notably Chorlton-upon-Medlock Town Hall, now part of MMU, Owens College, now the University of Manchester, the Royal Manchester College of Music, now the Royal Northern, and a collection of hospitals which have now been rebuilt and extended as the Royal Infirmary, the Eye Hospital and the Childrens‟ Hospital. Numerous historic people also had their houses in this area, notably, Thomas de Quincey, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Halle and Emmeline Pankhurst.

The Manchester residence of Sir Joseph Whitworth, originator of the internationally recognised standard for screw and gauge, was at Fallowfield. In 1872 the Whitworth Trust purchased Grove House, where, following his death in 1887, his legatees set up the Whitworth Institute and acquired Potters Field and Rusholme House. The Institute, lead by Robert Dukinfield Darbishire, had wide ranging ideas in those early days. They set aside parts of Grove House for concerts and lectures and at considerable expense laid out Whitworth Park in 1889 as a pleasure garden. This involved draining Rusholme Brook and the finished park had its own band-stand and a large lake. The overall aim of the Institute was “to secure a source of perpetual gratification of the people of Manchester and to cultivate taste and knowledge of the Fine Arts of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture”.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

The Park‟s facilities also included an observatory, bandstand and pavilion as well as a sculpture called “Christ blessing little Children” by George Tinworth, commissioned by Darbishire, and installed in 1895. This was the first major sculpture to be installed in any Manchester park. It was damaged early in the Second World War, possibly by a loose barrage balloon, and was not repaired and presumed discarded.

The Park attracted high volumes of visitors and was viewed by the Institute as a success until increased maintenance costs led to financial difficulties and in 1904 the Park, but not the Institute, was leased to Manchester City Council. The Whitworth Institute became part of the University of Manchester in 1958.

Under the terms of the lease, the boundary between the Institute, now the Whitworth Art Gallery, and the Park was fenced and an independent gateway to the Park erected directly off Oxford Road. Inside this new entrance Manchester City Council erected, in 1913, a statue of Edward VII by John Cassidy, the Manchester Sculptor. Over time the sculpture suffered from vandalism, losing the sceptre and cross from the orb, but in 2008 conservation work was carried out to clean and refinish the whole work and replace the missing elements.

Whitworth Park falls within the recruiting area of the 7th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment which was one of three Territorial Army battalions located within the city. A monument to those killed in the First World War was erected in the Park in 1933 by the surviving members following the sale of their Drill Hall in Burlington Street where the original memorial had been placed. It was designed by Norman Wragge following a competiton. This was cleaned in 2008, at the same time as the Edward VII statue.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

This map of Whitworth Park in 1930 shows that the Park was originally laid out with main, tree lined, paths running diagonally from each of the four corners with a central floral feature at the crossing. The path running from the Rusholme Corner was planted as an avenue. Another avenue ran parallel to Oxford Road from Moss Lane East and met the other paths at the crossing, and there was a third avenue running next to Moss lane East. The other main feature of the layout was a path which, centred on the crossing, made a circular walk about 100 metres diameter. This pattern of paths and avenues divided the Park into six roughly triangular area with a part of the circular path passing through each. The western segment was flooded as a paddling pool, and in the north western corner a mound was created and planted with trees. The avenues on the diagonal from Rusholme Corner and that running next to Moss Lane have survived but the one which ran parallel to Oxford Road has completely gone, as has the circular walk, the lake and all of the built features. Of the 460 odd trees which remain in the Park, about 200 are ash, about 50 plane, 24 sycamore, 15 beech and 14 lime. Many of these are very old. There are small numbers of several varieties of cherry, crab apple and hawthorn and other flowering trees.

The new entrance, made when the Park was leased to the City Council, was subsequently removed along with the surrounding stonework and recently the fence separating the Gallery from the Park has also been removed but a new fence has been erected to enclose the park on the line of Oxford Road footpath / cycle track, enabling the introduction of closing times in accordance with the park by-laws. The area outside the fence will be regraded and landscaped and treated as part of the Oxford Road corridor.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

In 2003 there was an attempt to gain planning permission for a car park on part of the Park. Public outrage at this caused the plan to be withdrawn, but it drew attention to the neglected state of the Park and its potentially attractive location to developers. An initiative by local Councillors, Manchester City Council Leisure Services and the Whitworth Art Gallery in response to this threat led, following public meetings, to the formation of the Friends of Whitworth Park in 2005, which aims “ to promote the revival of the Park as a place of quiet resort for the benefit and the use of the public, especially children, in the spirit of the founders” but also to seek to “update the historical infrastructure to make it relevant to contemporary life within a multicultural city”. Its members come not only from the immediate area but also from other districts both within and outside Manchester boundaries, reflecting the wide interest and concern about the future of the Park.

The Executive Committee includes representatives of The Whitworth Art Gallery and the Friends of the Whitworth as well as a number of local residents, and seeks to develop an active role in the management of the park. It meets representatives of Leisure Services and Moss Side Councillors monthly and has established contacts with other bodies and organisations with an interest in this area.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

2.2 The Locality

The Park lies administratively within the ward of Moss Side, just over a mile to the south of Manchester City Centre. The Moss Side and Rusholme District Centre Plan, published in 2007, promotes the view that the Park is in a prime position to both contribute to, and benefit from the enhancement of the whole area promoted by Corridor Manchester which seeks to ensure, among other things, that the opportunities arising from current and planned investment in the area are used to “create a unified public realm vision for Oxford Road….. making it a greener, healthier and more environmentally sustainable place to live and work”.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

The Park is 7.8 hectares in area and is the closest large park to the city centre. The Whitworth Art Gallery on its north east corner attracts more than 170,000 visitors a year. On the eastern boundary is Oxford Road/Wilmslow Road, which is the main approach to the universities and the hospitals complex, each of which is rated among the highest worker/student/user populations in Europe. The lively shopping and eating houses of the Curry Mile lie immediately to the south east along this route. The western boundary is separated from Manchester Academy High School by a narrow, unfenced, public footpath which is the remains of the former Parker and Entwistle Streets. The northern boundary, Denmark Road, is shared with University student residences and teaching accommodation as well as the Manchester Leisure Sports Development Centre and the remaining residential streets of Greenheys; and the southern boundary, Moss Lane East, forms the northern edge of the residential part of Moss Side which has a multi-ethnic residential population of about 11,000.

This context makes Whitworth Park untypical of a “community park”, being heavily used by both students and local workers as well as local residents and, at morning and evening peak flow times experiencing heavy pedestrian and cycle traffic on its Oxford Road frontage path whilst the main diagonal path provides a busy route for locally based pedestrians and cyclists to the University and the City, and to the bus stops on Oxford Road. The Park also marks the southern entry into the “Oxford Road Corridor” into the city centre.

Whilst the benefit of Whitworth Park‟s assets can be realised through the implementation of simple restorative measures, its unique position at the junction of a busy academic, medical and cultural area, the Curry Mile and the vibrant residential areas of Moss Side and Hulme suggests greater potential. This position, however, also attracts occasional antisocial behaviour by those who will seek to take advantage of its relative seclusion, and the Park has a reputation for being a dangerous place at night. The introduction of a new fence on the line of the Oxford Road footpath / cycle track enables the park to be closed between dusk and 8am in accordance with the bye-laws.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

2.3 Audit

Since the 2004/5 Plan was written, work has begun on the renewal of the Park‟s infrastructure. Cooperation with Friends of Whitworth Park has already achieved results through the reinstatement of fences, paths, litter bins, benches and the installation of interpretation lecterns at five entrances. A picnic area with four tables was added in 2008 and remedial work to the main diagonal path and the restoration of the central feature, including a perennial planting scheme, was done in 2009. New trees were planted by the Friends later in 2009 to reinforce planting on the western boundary. Early in 2010 a government grant under the “Playbuilder” scheme enabled the installation of a natural play area in the Park following consultation and design input from children from local schools, visitors participating in the Whitworth Art Gallery‟s family programme and Friends of Whitworth Park.

Whitworth Park can most easily be described with the use of zones.

Zone A relates to the pathways within the Park.

Zone B relates to fence lines and entrances around the Park.

Zone C relates to the southern boundary of the park This area although packed with many of the tree stock of the park also has many spring bulbs

Zone D relates to both our only showfield site and many of the biodiversity features. The area has excellent habitat locations which we intend to exploit for the local biodiversity.

Zone E contains the Sports and Play area. We are currently progressing the completion of the natural play area and we are starting the planning to improve the existing ball court into a multi use games Area. This area is also home to our Red Rose Forest I:Trees experiment.

Zone F contains our Historical Status and Memorial. This area also has our family picnic area.

Zone G relates to the Central Planting Circle

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

2.4 Map of Existing Facilities / Zone Map

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

2.5 A Welcoming Place

Whitworth Park covers a total area of 7.8 hectares to the south of and including the Whitworth Art Gallery and its grounds. It is notable for its avenues of mature trees as well as amenity grassland. It also accommodates a children's natural play area, and a picnic area close to the busy Oxford Road.

Through these features Whitworth Park offers the opportunity for quiet enjoyment as well as active informal recreation, in a perfect setting for anyone seeking relaxation from work in the local businesses, hospitals and the university as well as those enjoying time out from their work at home. Community use of Whitworth Park is encouraged through the different facilities, activities and events on offer from the Whitworth Art Gallery as well as Manchester Leisure Services.

Whitworth Park is managed by Manchester Leisure Services, Central Area Parks whose main office is at Platt Fields Park. The Park Warden for Whitworth Park is based at Alexandra Park. The management of Central Area Parks includes 34 other parks of various types and sizes within 11 Ward areas. All sites, including Whitworth Park are managed in ways that respect their aesthetic and environmental assets whilst at the same time finding ways of being inclusive.

There are no public toilets or baby changing facilities in the Park but entry to the Whitworth Art Gallery, which has a café and toilets off the entrance hall, is free and it is open 10am -5.00pm Monday to Saturday and 12noon -4.00pm Sunday.

Pedestrian access to Whitworth Park can be gained through 7 entrances. The entrances all offer clear lines of site into the Park. Two signed cycle routes to the University and city centre pass through the Park.

Bus stops are located close to the Park on Wilmslow Road and Moss Lane East, providing frequent bus services to Manchester City Centre, South Manchester and the surrounding areas. There are shops opposite the Park on Wilmslow Road. There is no car parking within the Park but there are car parks at Cecil Street and Dilworth Street run by the University.

Since the last Development Plan the Whitworth Art Gallery have removed the fence separating their building from the Park. They intend to extend the Gallery, making a new entrance direct from the Park ,laying new paths and creating an Art Garden.

GMPTE and the City Council also have plans which potentially affect Denmark Road and the Oxford Road frontage, including the cycle track and the forecourt to the Gallery. This area, which is outside the line of the new fence will be regraded and landscaped as part of the Southern Gateway to the city.

This Plan is designed to help integrate these important developments with the Park and contribute to their successful completion.

All new developments within Whitworth Park are designed to meet the standards of Manchester City Councils "Design for Access 2". This document provides standards for the physical environment relevant to the Disability Discrimination Act.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

2.7 Healthy, Safe and Secure

All equipment and facilities present in Whitworth Park meets relevant National and European standards; of particular importance is equipment in the Play Area that meets both NPFA and ROSPA (SS EN 1176, 1177) standards.

The dedicated Park Warden is responsible for carrying out bi-weekly Park inspections, completion of the inspection sheets and informing the relevant person of any defects or safety hazards within the Park. Glendale, our Grounds Maintenance contractor, is responsible for carrying out Play Area Inspections using ROSPA trained staff.

Play Area defects are reported directly to the Play Area Development team for action, with a copy being sent on a weekly basis to the Park Management team, so that staff are aware of the reported defects.

Although we have no current staff based on the site, there are a number of mobile staff who visit the Park regularly including the Park Warden, grounds maintenance staff and park security. Patrols of the site are also carried out by officers from Greater Manchester Police. All staff wear uniforms and name badges for identification by park users. All accidents and incidents are recorded and monitored; the information collated from these records aids the direction of resources and the priority of developments. The Whitworth Art Gallery has separate security arrangements.

Manchester Leisure enforces a set of bylaws relating to parks and pleasure grounds; however a review of the bylaws is currently taking place to ensure that they are relevant to current issues within parks and open spaces. The incidence of incidents reported to the police has led to measures which allow the introduction of closing times in accordance with these bye-laws.

Development and maintenance of the grounds is carried out to ensure that lines of sight are as open as possible. New developments such as horticultural features and fencing are planned in areas where they will not present what could be perceived as an infringement of safety. Similarly maintenance work is planned with security issues in mind. Whitworth Park is governed by Manchester City Councils policy on health and safety. This policy is reviewed, added to or modified periodically. The Normal Operating Procedures for Central Area Parks covers general and site specific health and safety information relevant to Whitworth Park. This document includes information on accident reporting, first aid, risk assessment and fire procedures. All new employees attend an induction session that details corporate health and safety policy, site- specific policies and the normal operating procedure.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Dog owners are expected to remove their dog waste from all areas. Special bins are provided at strategic points around the park for owners to dispose of this. Neighbourhood Services Dog Wardens and Incident Response Security Officers that patrol Whitworth Park are qualified to issue fines to dog owners who fail to remove their dog waste. Park Wardens are available to assist when required.

Manchester City Council has Dog Control Orders in place and use the legislation contained in Section 55 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. These orders have replaced the old system of byelaws for the control of dogs. Under the new order, which was put in place on 23rd April 2007, there are four offences, which can be enforced by the above named officers:

1.Failing to remove dog faeces 2.Not keeping a dog on a lead 3.Not putting, and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to by an authorised officer (throughout the City) 4.Taking more than a specified number of dogs onto land (throughout City)

Risk Assessments and Safety Plans

Risk Assessments are prepared for all events and activities that are held on the site. Some of the Risk Assessments are generic across the Park Area, but site specific Assessments are carried out for the large events. The full libraries of Risk Assessments are available on request. A full event safety plan is written for all larger events.

2.8 Well Maintained & Clean

Leisure Services completed and awarded a new grounds maintenance contract, which was implemented in April 2007 and will run for 5 years until 2012. The new contract specification awarded to Glendale Grounds Management has an emphasis on quality rather than quantity.

Glendale has entered into partnership arrangement with Clean up UK who carry out litter functions every day at the start of every day. This has made a noticeable improvement. This has enabled more grounds maintenance staff that previously concentrated on litter to be released back into grounds maintenance duties.

Waste materials generated from grounds maintenance activities are currently recycled where possible, for example woody matter is chipped on site and used back on the ground as a weed suppressant and boxed grass clippings from bowling greens are delivered to designated sites for composting.

Recycling of organic waste ensures that we have a good quality material to use in place of peat and peat based products, as Leisure Services does not condone the use of peat. Bedding plants are grown in peat-free materials. .

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

The Park Warden as part of the inspection procedure checks sports areas, paths, fences, gates, signs and all other items of infrastructure weekly. Unsafe equipment / areas are made safe as soon as possible and subsequently repaired. In the event that a defect cannot be repaired immediately, warning signs will be erected and the area cordoned off if necessary.

Vandalism that results in the deterioration of Whitworth Park will be addressed as a matter of priority. Graffiti, fly tipping and even abandoned vehicles aim to be removed within the same day of reporting. These duties are coordinated and carried out by the Park Wardens, with support from the grounds maintenance team and external contractors.

2.9 Sustainability

Herbicides are only used within Whitworth Park for the control of vegetation on selected fence lines and paths. Pesticides are only used in situations where operations cannot practically be carried out by alternative methods; we continue to seek alternatives to the use of pesticides.

Where procurement guidelines allow, materials and equipment are purchased from a local supplier to minimise travelling. The use of local suppliers also supports the local economy. Recycled materials are used where a choice is available; the use of tropical hardwoods is not permitted. Installation methods keep pollution of the ground to a minimum, e.g. using earth anchors that do not require concrete.

To ensure that vehicles and equipment are running efficiently they are serviced on a regular basis, daily checks are carried out on vehicles before they are used. The use of email in the Central Area has resulted in quicker transfer of information and a reduction in the amount of paper and envelopes being used. Similarly the use of digital cameras ensures only good quality photos are printed and the elimination of camera films.

There is currently no convenient community recycling facility, allowing for the collection of paper, glass, cans and clothing. This is under consideration.

The designs for the Gallery extension aim to create a model of sustainable building. A green roof has already been installed and the Gallery café serves locally sourced, seasonal food.

2.10 Conservation and Heritage

Few of the original features remain of the park; but the basic design can still be seen today through the formal path layout and avenues of trees. The original features were removed more than thirty years ago and, in spite of a petition raised by local residents in 1983, and representations made over the following three years, with ever dwindling public resources the park faced serious decline. However, over the past few years steps have been taken to reclaim this park from creeping dereliction, in which the Friends of Whitworth Park have played an important part..

The Park is now used as an informal play and relaxation area, and is popular with

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016 students studying as well as residents and workers from the hospitals and local businesses. A new natural play area for 8-13year olds has been installed which makes use of the particular character of the tree covered mounds and dells in the north-west area of the park. Other recently installed features include the new raised central feature with ornamental trees and a seasonally changing display of perennial plants, a picnic area and new seating along the main path, all of which are very popular.

In order to conserve our existing tree stock, the audit and survey of trees in Whitworth Park carried out in 2003-6 will be updated. Through this we aim to manage the maintenance and protection of our trees. We also look to increase biodiversity by increasing the variety of trees and planting in the Park.

The aim of staff is to maintain features and where possible preserve them for future generations. Inspection and maintenance of the facilities is carried out on a cyclical basis to ensure their upkeep.

The Whitworth Art Gallery, which is a Grade II listed building, is maintained by the University. It is the aim of the park manager to co-operate with the gallery management in the joint use of the areas close to the building, including the proposed Art Garden, and development of activities throughout the Park.

2.11 Community Involvement

The Friends of Whitworth Park was officially set up in 2006. Previously there was no collaborative mechanism for agreeing the design and direction of extra funding for the Park or organisation of activities within it. Collaboration between the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Friends of the Whitworth, Manchester Leisure Services and the Moss Side Councillors followed by a series of public meetings, led in September 2005, to members from each of these organisations and local residents deciding to join forces and establish as a single group.

The Friends of Whitworth Park are a voluntary organisation committed to helping Manchester Leisure Services improve and develop the park for all the wider community to enjoy, and in the last few years, 'The Friends' have raised thousands of pounds in grants for improvements to the park. They have also generated ideas for the improvement of the Park and contributed to the design of the restored central feature. They have contributed to this Management Plan. 'The 'Friends' also work to promote the park as a venue for community events. In the last three summers they have, with the Park Warden, organised a variety of activities and small events including community 'Fun days' in the Park.

With their energy, hard work and willingness to work with in partnership with the council and other community groups, the Friends of Whitworth Park have transformed the park from a neglected public space to a beautiful place of quiet resort for the large number of local workers as well as local residents seeking to enjoy the open space, trees and fresh air. They continue to work towards the aim of drawing more people into the experience and pleasure of this special place, gifted to us by a generous earlier generation.

The Friends of Whitworth park are also working with Manchester Museum,

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Manchester University Department of Archaeology, Whitworth Art Gallery and the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust in a programme which aims to increase public knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the park, encourage social inclusion and a sense of identity among local residents, contribute to the development and conservation of the park and create new volunteer opportunities for public participation in the management and delivery of the project.

Manchester Play Team work with the Park Warden to run a series of play sessions throughout the summer holidays. Over the years these sessions have grown in popularity and continue to be a success.

Manchester Learning Programme (Student Volunteers) exist to place students in volunteering opportunities within their community in order to gain volunteer hours for their university courses. They assist with various tasks such as tree planting and other environmental projects.

The Whitworth Art Gallery runs a programme of activities, including workshops for children of all ages, their families and carers, some of which make use of the outdoor space. There are also regular craft workshops, art classes, film screenings, concerts, performances, tours, artist talks and other social events for adults, most of which are free to attend. There are also short performances on Sundays by students of the Royal Northern College of Music and Film evenings on occasional Fridays. The concerts and films are supported by Friends of the Whitworth. The proposed extension will allow the Gallery to develop an extensive programme of outdoor events such as outdoor film screenings, environmental workshops and performances. The Gallery works with others, including Manchester Internalional Festival, to programme festivals which can take place in the Park.

Manchester Museum is undertaking an archaeological and local history project, exploring the memories of local people and involving work with schoolchildren around the history of the Park. This involves survey in the Park and eventually an exhibition of the findings. The potential exists to extend this to include other Museum departments like Natural History who would study biodiversity in the Park.

Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership involves partnership working between Leisure Services, Greater Manchester Police, local agencies and other Council Departments.

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 gave local councils responsibility to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, through working in partnership with the police, local agencies and the community. Every ward across Manchester has its own Local Action Partnership, or LAP for short. The group are committed to working together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. The LAPs meet regularly to share information and discuss new initiatives to ensure that all agencies are working together to make Manchester safer.

Greater Manchester Police organise occasional events in the Park to demonstrate and support cycle security.

Various University Departments and individual students have made use, and continue to make use of the Park as a site for environmental research and

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016 monitoring. Currently an Environmental Monitoring Station is sited on the Denmark Road boundary of the Park.

Various Religious Groups hold assemblies and processions in the Park on holy days.

Whitworth Park Rangers, a local football team raised to keep Somali youngsters off the street, train in Whitworth Park, but play their matches on the adjacent Manchester Academy High School ground.

Local Area Partnerships deal with local issues such as;  Crime & disorder  Poor environment which contributes to crime  Youth nuisance  Neighbourhood nuisance  Anti-social behaviour They meet regularly to monitor progress and to discuss new priorities. They also organise local events such as “Beat Sweeps”, truancy operations and community network drives. These are structured so that crime and disorder issues raised by residents and Councillors are then fed back to be dealt with at the highest possible level. Local residents can rest assured that their issues are dealt with by the best person within the LAP group. If necessary, actions from these meetings are then taken forward to confidential Local Tasking Meetings and Area Casework Panels. Successes include securing Dispersal Orders and Alcohol Restriction Zones, involving lighting and alley gating in communities and sourcing funds for new facilities to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Moss Side Voluntary and Community Sector Forum was formed to be a way for voluntary sector and community groups to feed into Ward coordination and the City‟s regeneration activity. It brings representatives together every three months to work on common concerns and issues for the good of Moss Side as a whole.

The Park Wardens offer a wide range of affordable educational activities and facilities for school groups. Many of these play a key role in developing and fulfilling aspects of the National Curriculum. Bug Hunts, Bird Box making and Bulb Plantings are particular favourites.

2.12 Marketing

An information leaflet has been prepared for Whitworth Park by Friends of Whitworth Park, which includes the location of the park, its history, and a prospectus for future improvements to the facilities. It contains a plan of the Park with contact information. The Friends also provide a quarterly newsletter for the park users and Friends which circulates through the community. A great deal of effort is taken to ensure that the newsletter is kept as up to date as possible ensuring publicity for up and coming events and future park developments.

The Whitworth Art Gallery publishes a programme leaflet every quarter which describes exhibitions and events in the Gallery and its activities in the park.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

The Manchester Leisure Services Marketing Officer, based at Belle Vue, is responsible for the publishing of information relating to events for the seasonal activities calendar that is produced citywide. The calendar is published on the internet at www.manchester.gov.uk throughout the year and in the form of a leaflet and poster during the school holidays.

Also produced by the corporate design team within Manchester City Council is special events advertising for dates that are individual for example, International Women's Week Activities and Bonfire Night Celebrations.

Any brochures, posters and leaflets designed by the corporate team are delivered to all Leisure Services establishments; they are also distributed by the staff In Central Area to members of the public and places with a high number of visitors.

On the home page for Manchester City Council there is a link that leads to a brief description of all Manchester Leisure's facilities. Included within the section dedicated to Central Area Parks is a listing for Whitworth Park which contains information on the site facilities and how to contact us. A web page dedicated to Friends groups in Manchester also lists contacts. A link is also available from the home page that will display all of the forthcoming events and activities available in parks and open spaces within Manchester.

Quarterly newsletters are produced by Ward Support Officers, good news reports and relevant local interest topics can be submitted from Whitworth Park to be published.

Local publications such as The South Manchester Reporter will include stories and reports of community projects, good news stories and forthcoming events. Photographers and reporters from these publications can be requested to attend events and activities or we can submit information ourselves, to be published within the paper through out dedicated press officer.

There are a number of groups and agencies that promote specific events and activities relevant to them, through their own sources such as Manchester Play Team, Manchester Learning Programme and Manchester Student Volunteers.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

3. Where Do We Want To Get To?

King Edward V11 statue by William Cassidy

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

3. Where Do We Want To Get To?

The assessment and evaluation of Whitworth Park is an ongoing and continuous process within the day-to-day management tasks undertaken by Park Wardens and Managers. The basic evidence, which provides material for management discussion, is collated on the Park Inspection Sheet. Other relevant documents for the identification of issues are:

 Audit of Site  Minutes and Suggestions from the Friends of Whitworth Park  Minutes from Moss Co-ordination  Minutes from the Local Area Partnerships  Minutes from the Local Tasking Meetings  Feedback forms from events  Complaints and compliment forms  Tree Survey  Corridor Manchester plans for the Public Realm  GMPTE Cross City Bus Plan  Whitworth Art Gallery Plans including its Ecology Report and the results of a BioBlitz carried out in June 2010.

The evidence listed above has been considered in full to create a way forward for Whitworth Park that links and enhances our current operations.

Our next step was to incorporate the clear examples of good practice highlighted by the Green Flag criteria and visualise our way forward. We have included both a Map of our future vision and an explanation of how we plan to achieve this using the framework as guidance.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

3.1 Vision for Whitworth Park

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

3.2 A Welcoming Place

We aim to provide good and safe access, effective signage to and within the Park, and the principle of "something for everyone" with particular reference to the Park‟s unique mix of users. We will achieve this in the following ways:

 Reinstate lost and damaged paths to recreate a circular walk around the perimeter of the Park affording good access for everybody to all parts of the Park.  Improve drainage to badly drained areas to make these areas more useable.  Improve forthcoming event signage at Oxford Road, Rusholme, Academy and Greenheys entrances and in the Hathersage Road lectern.  Improve interpretive material, including updating information and artwork in the lecterns.  Provide adequate seating, picnic areas, litter and dog bins.  Integration of Corridor Public Realm works and plans for Cross City buses  Integration of Whitworth Art Gallery Plans

3.3 Healthy Safe and Secure

We aim to provide equipment and facilities that are safe to use; a secure place for all members of the community to use or traverse; and a facility where dog fouling is adequately addressed. We will achieve this in the following ways:

 Monitor and respond to incidents of anti-social behaviour.  Attend to broken and dangerous branches on trees.  Ensure all Park checks and inspections are carried out on time and dealt with accordingly.  Ensure strong community links are upheld by engaging with members of the public during site visits.  Review Central Area Parks Normal Operating Procedure and Risk Assessments annually or as needed.  Ensure that Dog Control Orders are enforced through partnership working.  Review on a regular basis opening and closing times to take account of reported inconveniences to early users.

3.4 Well Maintained and Clean

We aim to provide a facility where litter and waste management are adequately dealt with, and grounds, equipment and features are well maintained. We will achieve this in the following ways:

 Monitoring and reviewing the grounds maintenance contract.  Introduction of additional litter and dog bins.  Deal with any issues of vandalism and graffiti as soon as possible.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

3.5 Sustainability

We aim to provide a facility where pesticide and herbicide use is minimised and justified; waste plant material in the Park is recycled; and energy conservation, pollution reduction, waste recycling and resource conservation measures are used. We will achieve this in the following ways:

 Use of efficient machinery by contactor to shred and distribute leaf litter on site or removal of leaves to allotments.  Continue to research alternatives for pesticide use.  Use the park, and the results of the Gallery‟s BioBlitz report, as a tool to enhance the knowledge of local schoolchildren and community groups of the environment, recycling, pollution and green waste management

3.6 Conservation and Heritage

We aim to increase biodiversity, conserve and enhance natural features, wildlife and flora. We will help others to understand and appreciate the historical background and current environmental context of the Park. We will achieve this in the following ways:

 Carry out habitat and species audits.  Plant wildflower areas and replace lost trees.  Implement tree work identified in the tree survey.  Encourage organised archaeological, historical and environmental survey work and exhibitions of their findings.  Improve and update interpretive information relating to the history of the site.

3.7 Community Involvement

We aim to be able to demonstrate knowledge of the user community and levels and patterns of use; collect evidence of community involvement in park development and results achieved; and show that there are appropriate levels of provision of recreational facilities for all sectors of the community. We will achieve this in the following ways:

 Carry out user counts and surveys.  Continue to encourage the Friends of Whitworth Park and other community groups to contribute to the Park management plan  Continue to encourage neighbouring institutions like the Gallery, hospitals and university as well as local community groups and other departments within Manchester City Council to deliver events for the local and surrounding communities.  Respond to feedback on the results of opening and closing hours.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

3.8 Marketing

We aim to provide good quality and relevant information to users; and effective promotion of the Park as a community resource. We will achieve this in the following ways:

 Improve the Manchester City Council web page for the Park.  Work with the Friends of Whitworth Park to create an information leaflet for Whitworth Park and a marketing and financing plan.  Ensure that information in notice boards and lecterns is up to date.  Liaise with the Whitworth Art Gallery on publicity and marketing.

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

4. How Will We Get There?

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

4. How Will We Get There?

Whitworth Park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for local residents, students, and those who work in or are visiting the gallery, and neighbouring hospitals and university departments. It caters for informal ball games, play, rest and leisurely exercise and has the potential for an increased range of plants and wildlife. The management team work as closely as possible with all partners to develop each of these individual aspects, fostering the broad cultural life of this diverse community.

A development action plan has been prepared which makes explicit a way forward for the development and improvement of the Park. For clarity the vision has been divided into four aspects:

• Action Plan Matrix - this explains the programme of work that has been identified for the coming 5 years. This has been influenced by the priority need to repair the infrastructure of the park but with a view to addressing shortfalls in the Park‟s amenity when measured against Green Flag criteria. The aim is to achieve Green Flag standard by 2013.

• Visual Action Plan - this gives a visual explanation using photographs and zoned maps of physical works that have been identified for the coming 5 years.

• Community Consultation plan - this gives a clear vision for progressing community consultation.

• Grounds Maintenance- this explains the grounds maintenance programme, inspection regime and document reviews for the coming year.

Where reference is made on the action plan matrix and visual action plan the letters A - G relate to one of the green flag criteria as follows:

A - A welcoming place

B - Healthy, safe and secure

C - Well maintained and clean

D - Sustainability

E - Conservation and Heritage

F - Community involvement

G - Marketing

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

4.1 Development Matrix 2010

Zone A – All Pathways

Objectives Met by Lead Cost Funding Date Action Zone Description Location Year this Person Estimate Source Completed Action Installation of Central circle foundation, Leisure Improvements to to A A,B,C,D drainage and Services £37,550 106 Monies 2012 pathway A3 B3Rusholme overlay on FOWP Entrance pathway A3 Adjacent to Highways Area requires Highways Improvements to Oxford Road Leisure A A,B,C,D overlay on Capital Ongoing pathway A4 corridor with Services pathway A4 Programme cycle track FOWP Installation of B5Academy Highways foundation, Entrance to Highways Improvements to Leisure A A,B,C,D drainage and old Parker Capital 2016 pathway A5 Services overlay on Street Programme FOWP pathway A3 connection Installation of Central circle foundation, Leisure Improvements to to A A,B,C,D drainage and Services 106 Monies 2012 pathway A6 B6Greenheys overlay on FOWP entrance pathway A3

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Adjacent to Survey regarding Denmark Capital Improvements to history / future of Road, in Leisure Programme Hard standing area A A,B,C,D this section of between Services / External 2014 known as pathway pathway / hard B7Ducie and FOWP Funding A7 standing B6Greenheys Sources entrances

Gallery Depending on the Heritage works that will be From Leisure Lottery carried out in the B7Ducie Services Fund Bid Gallery extension, Rerouting of section entrance next FOWP 2011 A A,B,C,D Installation of 2012 of pathway A8 to gallery to Whitworth Capital foundation, meet Art Programme drainage and Pathway A2 Gallery / External overlay on Funding pathway A8 Sources

Along border Installation of Capital or gallery Leisure foundation, Programme Improvements grounds, Services A A,B,C,D drainage and / External 2012 pathway A9 from Oxford FOWP overlay on Funding Road to meet pathway A9 Sources pathway A8

Installation of Improvements Capital foundation, various small Various Leisure Programme drainage and internal pathways A A,B,C,D locations in Services / External 2016 overlay on all A10 known collectively Zone F FOWP Funding / A11 Pathways as A10 / A11 Sources In Zone F / C

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Highways management plan Leisure Highways Cycle Track A A,B,C,D,F of the cycle track A4 Services Capital Ongoing Development and maintenance Highways Programme programme if any

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Visual Matrix Zone A

Zone A

Improvements to Improvements Improvements to pathway A6 pathway A9 pathway A3

Improvements Improvements to various small Improvements to Hard standing area internal pathways pathway A4 known as pathway known collectively A7 as A10 / A11

Cycle Track Improvements to Development Improvements to section of pathway

pathway A5 A8

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

4.1 Development Matrix 2010

Zone B – Fence Line and Entrance Gates

Objectives Lead Cost Funding Date Action Zone Met by this Description Location Year Person Estimate Source Completed Action Capital Install new gate at Oxford Programme entrance point to Leisure Improve Gate B1 Road next Leisure B A,B aid the Services 2010 Nov 2010 Oxford Road Gate to the Services introduction of FOWP Gallery GMP Police closing times Business Group Capital Install new gate at Oxford Programme Improve Gate B2 entrance point to Leisure Road facing Leisure Hathersage Road B A,B aid the Services 2010 Nov 2010 Hathersage Services Gate introduction of FOWP Road GMP Police closing times Business Group Capital Install new gate at Corner of Programme entrance point to Moss Lane Leisure Improve Gate B3 Leisure B A,B aid the East and Services 2010 Nov 2010 Rusholme Gate Services introduction of Oxford FOWP GMP Police closing times Road Business Group Capital Install new gate at On Moss Programme entrance point to Leisure Improve Gate B4 Lane East Leisure B A,B aid the Services 2010 Nov 2010 Heald Place Gate facing Services introduction of FOWP Heald Place GMP Police closing times Business Group

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Capital Install new gate at Corner of Programme entrance point to the park Leisure Improve Gate B5 Leisure B A,B aid the next to the Services 2010 Nov 2010 Academy Gate Services introduction of Academy FOWP GMP Police closing times on Moss Business Group Lane East

Capital Install new gate at Corner of Programme entrance point to the park Leisure Improve Gate B6 Leisure B A,B aid the next to the Services 2010 Nov 2010 Greenheys Gate Services introduction of school on FOWP GMP Police closing times Denmark Business Group Road

Capital Install new gate at Corner of Programme entrance point to the park Leisure Improve Gate B7 Leisure B A,B aid the next to the Services 2010 Nov 2010 Ducie Gate Services introduction of Gallery on FOWP GMP Police closing times Denmark Business Group Road Capital Along Programme To aid the Leisure Installation of fence Oxford Leisure B A,B introduction of Services 2010 Nov 2010 line along Cycle Path Road Services closing times FOWP Corridor GMP Police Business Group

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Visual Matrix Zone B

Zone B

Improve Gate Improve Gate Improve Gate B1 Oxford B4 Heald Place B7 Ducie Gate Road Gate Gate

Installation of Improve Gate Improve Gate fence line B2 Hathersage B5 Academy along Cycle Road Gate Gate Path

Improve Gate Improve Gate B3 Rusholme B6 Greenheys Gate Gate

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Zone C

4.1 Development Matrix 2010

Objectives Met by Lead Cost Funding Date Action Zone Description Location Year this Person Estimate Source Completed Action

At the Leisure Install Welcome Introduction of £650 C A,B B3Rusholme Services 106 Monies 2010 June 2010 Signs welcome signs per sign Entrance FOWP

At the Leisure Introduction of Install Poster Cases C A,F B5Academy Services 106 Monies 2010 June 2010 Poster cases Entrance FOWP

Repair Capital replacement or Leisure Furniture Programme installation of new Various Services Improvement A,C / External Ongoing C benches, litter locations FOWP Programme Funding bins and dog bins Sources

From A2 Capital Introduction of a Leisure pathway to Programme Installation of a new new path where Services C A,B,C,D B4Heald / External path existing desire FOWP Place Funding line is set entrance Sources

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Capital Under plant trees FOWP Programme on both sides of Various Under Planting C A,C,D Leisure / External perimeter path for locations Services Funding seasonal display Sources Capital Introduction of a Provide another Leisure Programme picnic Area in Zone C A,B,C informal picnic TBC Services / External C area FOWP Funding Sources

Survey trees, Capital Leisure update tree plan Programme Throughout Services Tree Survey C C,D,E and provide / External Zone C FOWP maintenance Funding

schedule Sources

Consider the Leisure Review Fairground C sustainability of Zone C and Services Use within B,C,D the fair ground N / A Zone F FOWP Whitworth Park and the impact on

current location

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Visual Matrix Zone C

Zone C

Installation of a Install Welcome Tree Survey new path Signs

Review Install Poster Fairground Use Under Planting Cases within Whitworth Park

Furniture Introduction of a Improvement Picnic Area in Programme Zone C

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

4.2 Development Matrix 2010

Zone D

Objectives Lead Cost Funding Date Action Zone Met by this Description Location Year Person Estimate Source Completed Action

Repair Capital Leisure Furniture replacement or Programme Various Services Improvement D A,C installation of new / External Ongoing locations FOWP Programme benches, litter Funding

bins and dog bins Sources

From A2 Capital Introduction of a pathway to Leisure Programme Installation of a new new path where B6Greenheys Services D A,B,C,D / External Ongoing path pathway once Entrance, FOWP Funding existed. meeting with Sources pathway A6 Plant trees in Capital existing gaps FOWP Programme throughout Zone Various Infill Tree Planting D,E Leisure / External Ongoing D D, in line with locations Services Funding historical plans Sources where applicable Along Capital Under plant new boundary FOWP Programme Under Planting D A,C,D trees for seasonal adjacent to Leisure / External Ongoing display Manchester Services Funding Academy Sources

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Provide a wildflower area, Capital Leisure D plants and Programme Introduction of a Various Services D,E habitats to / External Ongoing wildlife area locations FOWP support and Funding

encourage Sources wildlife. Survey trees, Capital update tree plan Leisure Programme and provide Throughout Services Tree Survey C,D,E / External Ongoing D maintenance Zone D FOWP Funding schedule for MCC Sources Arbor Team

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Visual Matrix Zone D

Zone D

Furniture Improvement Under Planting Programme

Installation of a Introduction of a new path wildlife area

Infill Tree Planting Tree Survey

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Zone E

4.3 Development Matrix 2010

Objectives Met by Lead Cost Funding Date Action Zone Description Location Year this Person Estimate Source Completed Action Introduction of tree experiments Pete Installation of determining Next to Ball Stringer Red Rose E D 2010 NOV 2010 I:Trees Experiment various weather Court Red Rose Forrest related test Forrest results Children‟s Services Children‟s Just off Introduction of a Installation of and Services E A,F Pathway A6 £95,165.37 2010 AUG 2010 Natural Play Area natural play area Contracting Capital in zone D Services Programme

Repair replacement or Capital Leisure Furniture installation of Programme Various Services Improvement E A,C new benches, / External Ongoing locations FOWP Programme litter bins and dog Funding

bins Sources

Capital From Leisure Introduction of a Programme Installation of a new B6Greenheys Services E A,B,C,D new path / External Ongoing paths to B7Ducie FOWP Funding entrances Sources 46

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Introduction of a Whitworth From A8 to Installation of a new new path in Art Gallery External E A,B,C,D the central paths conjunction with Leisure Funding circle the Whitworth Art Services Gallery Extension FOWP Capital Provide a natural Introduction of a Leisure Programme informal picnic picnic Area in Zone E A,B,C TBC Services / External Ongoing area near the E FOWP Funding Play Area Sources

Provide minor biodiversity changes to Capital Leisure support and Programme Introduction of a Various Services E D,E encourage / External Ongoing wildlife area locations FOWP wildlife in Funding

conjunction with Sources the plans for a wildlife area in Zone D Survey trees, Capital update tree plan Leisure Programme and provide Throughout Services Tree Survey C,D,E / External Ongoing E maintenance Zone E FOWP Funding schedule for Sources MCC Arbor Team

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Resurfacing on Capital the existing ball Leisure Improvements to Programme court, then Services the existing Ball A,C,F Ball Court / External Ongoing E redevelopment FOWP Court Funding into a Multi Use Sources Games Area

Visual Matrix Zone E

Zone E

Installation of Installation of a Tree Survey I:Trees Experiment new paths

Improvements to Introduction of a the existing ball Introduction of a picnic Area in court and Natural Play Area Zone E introduction of a MUGA

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Furniture Introduction of a Improvement wildlife area Programme

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Zone F

4.4 Development Matrix 2010

Objectives Lead Cost Funding Date Action Zone Met by Description Location Year Person Estimate Source Completed this Action At the

pedestrian Leisure F Introduction of entrance next Install Poster Cases A,F Services Cash Grant 2010 June 2010 Poster cases to the FOWP B3Rusholme

entrance

Repair Capital Leisure Furniture replacement or Programme Various Services Improvement F A,C installation of new / External Ongoing locations FOWP Programme benches, litter Funding

bins and dog bins Sources

Provide minor biodiversity Capital changes to Leisure Programme Introduction of a support and Various Services D,E / External Ongoing wildlife area F encourage wildlife locations FOWP Funding in conjunction Sources with the plans for a wildlife area in Zone D and E

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Survey trees, Capital update tree plan Leisure Programme and provide Throughout Services Tree Survey C,D,E / External Ongoing F maintenance Zone F FOWP Funding schedule for MCC Sources Arbor Team

Introduce some Capital Between Leisure King Edward Statue small formal Programme B1Oxford Rd Services Formal Planting and C,D,E planting round the / External Ongoing F and FOWP Maintenance base and Funding B2Hathersage maintain Statue Sources entrances Introduce some Capital small formal Between Leisure War Memorial Programme planting round the Hathersage Services Formal Planting and C,D,E / External Ongoing F base and and FOWP Maintenance Funding maintain War Rusholme Sources Memorial entrances

Ensure that the Capital picnic area Set back Leisure Programme Maintain Existing remains family adjacent to Services A,B,C / External Ongoing Picnic Area F friendly, B2Hathersage FOWP Funding welcoming and entrance Sources safe

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Visual Matrix Zone F

Zone F

Install Poster Maintain Existing Tree Survey Cases Picnic Area

King Edward Furniture Statue Formal Improvement Planting and Programme Maintenance

War Memorial Introduction of a Formal Planting wildlife area and Maintenance

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

4.5 Development Matrix 2010

Zone G – Central Circle

Objectives Lead Cost Funding Date Action Zone Met by this Description Location Year Person Estimate Source Completed Action

Leisure Re-establish the Services Redevelopment of Centre of 106 G A,C,D,E central circle FOWP 2009 the Central Circle the Park Monies planted area Contracting Services

Leisure Increase Services Planting Programme Centre of Cash G A,C,D Biodiversity FOWP 2009 for the Central Circle the Park Grant through the park Glendale‟s

Installation of Central To prevent Leisure temporary fence line Centre of Area G D vandalism whilst Services In House 2010 Sept 2010 around the Central the Park Parks plants establish FOWP Circle Budget Ensure the Maintenance of survival of plants Central Leisure Central Circle and G to increase Centre of Area A,B,C,D Services Ongoing future Planting biodiversity the Park Parks FOWP Programme throughout the Budget park

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

Visual Matrix Zone G

Zone G

Maintenance of Redevelopment of Central Circle and the Central Circle future Planting Programme

Planting Programme for the Central Circle

Installation of temporary fence line around the Central Circle

Whitworth Park Management Plan 2011 - 2016

4.6 Grounds Maintenance

4.6.1 Contract Summary

A new Grounds Maintenance Contract was awarded in January 2007 with the commencement of the contract starting on April 1st 2007, which is set to run for 5 years until March 31st 2012 and includes a built-in option of a 2-year extension if required.

The contract was tendered as two separate contracts [North], which includes Heaton Park, North Area Parks and East Area Parks and awarded to Operational Services [in- house]. And [South] which includes City Centre, Central Area Parks and South Area Parks awarded to Glendale Contracting Services [Private].

The contract replaced the dedicated staff regime of the old contract, and although it was felt that the dedicated arrangement worked well it was proven during the trial process to be to expensive as well as overly time consuming for Park Management Teams to manage on a day-to-day basis. An alternative more efficient and effective way of working was required.

The contract is structured around an improved specification aiming at delivering year on year improvements throughout the lifetime of the contract, which will be identified through information gathered performance monitoring, a monthly officers meeting, plus an annual review. The built in flexibility of the contract enables change control where poor performance or improved methods have been identified.

Leisure Services structure change during 2008, which provided two contract officers to work directly within each of the contract areas along side the contract service delivery officers; this will enable joint monitoring and a closer working relationship to achieve the aims of the specification.

In 2007-2008 performance monitoring has taken place in order to establish a quality base line, which has enable us to assess the level of improvement the contractors have achieved.

Possibly the most important aspect of the new contract is working in partnership with each of the Grounds Maintenance Service providers.

Manchester City Council expects Service Providers to work with the Council in order to achieve better outcomes for the local community, as measured by the needs of the local stakeholders, and involves bringing together or making better use of resources.

Working together requires the development of a commitment to a shared agenda, effective leadership, and a plan for the contributions and benefits to all.

The dynamic aspect of the new contract identifies specific goals of working to be identified, performance to be evaluated, and the assessment of the continuing fit between activities, community needs and priorities.

In order to fulfil these objectives, and obligations for continuous improvement, and the requirements to challenge, consult, compare and compete

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The specification has been developed in line with

 The Council‟s primary goals  Local and national performance indicators  By comparison with best practice elsewhere  In consultation with the community and all service users  Service plans agreed with members and directors.

This may or may not result in differing emphases being placed on service requirements throughout the city and throughout the duration of the specification.

The service provider will therefore proactively engage with and contribute to these objectives and processes.

4.6.2 Grounds Maintenance Performance Monitoring

Initial monitoring of the Service Providers performance was carried out between April 2007 and April 2008 this has set the base line for each of Leisure‟s sites.

Now our base line has been established Key Performance Monitoring will commence during April 2008 and run right through the lifetime of the contract.

Monitoring will be collected in four ways

 Client Monitoring – carried out by Leisure‟s Contract Officers one dedicated to the North Contract and one South on a quarterly cycle  Service Provider Self Monitoring – Carried out by Contract Officers utilising the same system and process as the Client.  Joint Client Service Provider Monitoring – Carried out with both Client and Contract senior officers over a selection of sites twice each year.  Customer Satisfaction Surveys - Carried out by Park Management staff [Wardens] with members of the public including park users and non-park users

In addition to item 4 above annual ward coordination household surveys where available will be utilised to establish customer satisfaction

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5. How Will We Know When We Have Arrived?

Avenue

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5. How Will We Know When We Have Arrived?

5.1 Management Plan

In the simplest form we will know that we have achieved our aims if we follow this Management Plan through the 5-year cycle. However, the likelihood is that circumstances will change and the plan will adapt to new opportunities and threats. This Management Plan is designed to be a working document and so gives the opportunity for completion dates to be entered.

The Management Team and Park Wardens review the management plan quarterly throughout the year. Developments from the Management Plan will also updated at the meetings with the Friends of Whitworth Park.

5.2 Performance Indicators

Both the Park Wardens and Grounds Maintenance staff collect information for performance indicators. Through creating baseline data for the first year of the plan we will be able to compare and contrast operations in the following areas over the coming 5 years:

 Grounds maintenance : (see 4.6.2 above)  Events and activities :(develop and cooperate with Gallery and others in a programme of local schools and public events and activities and jointly monitor progress. )  Community consultation :(change perception of Park in terms of crime and anti-social behaviour and carry out reviews in consultation with the local community, park users in partnership with GMP, ward councillors and other relevant agencies.)  Customer care : (see 4.6.2 above and 5.4 below.) 5.3 Incident Reports

Incident reports are collated each month to show the number and type of incidents that have been reported in the Central Area Parks. It is possible to divide the information into individual Parks, so to compare periods of activity from year one all the way through to year 5, for Whitworth Park. Although this information is not submitted as a formal performance indicator, we monitor and compare the results from year to year and month-to-month to assess in house how we are performing.

5.4 Satisfaction Surveys & Feedback

Satisfaction surveys relating to grounds maintenance are completed on an ongoing basis with people visiting the Park and people who aren‟t in the Park. The information collected allows us to see the satisfaction of the maintenance within the Park.

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5.5 Ward Coordination Action Plans

The management and development of Hulme Park is on the agenda of Moss Side Ward Coordination. Within the Ward Coordination group sit Ward Councillors, community group representatives and officers from various service providers in the Ward.

A number of actions are outlined for Whitworth Park through the Ward Action Plan, a review and update of progress on each action is given at the quarterly meeting. Any service provider that has not progressed an action on the plan is held accountable to the Ward Councillors, with feedback to their line manager.

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