LISBURN City Council has unveiled plans to revitalise Wallace Park to create an historic city green space within the city; and they are seeking your views on its proposals.

A new and exciting concept plan for the Park has just been released, as well as a model of how the Park could look in the future which will be available to view in Wallace Park at the Family Fun Day, which follows the Mayor's Parade tomorrow (Saturday).

The new designs respect both the historic nature of the. Victorian Park and the need to incorporate new and diverse uses of the Park, including woodland areas and walks, sporting provision and family-orientated activities. The will also contain a 'Flagship' Children's Play Area and other improvement works will include a modern sports pavilion, additional car parking and other Health and Safety related works.

Councillor Brian Heading, Chairman of the Council's Leisure Services Committee emphasised the importance of Wallace Park to the people of Lisburn: "Wallace Park is the premier Urban Park for all the people of Lisburn. The Council is committed to developing the Park for the benefit of all ratepayers across the City area and wishes to establish the Park as a vibrant and safe destination for all the family."

He continued: "This public consultation will allow local residents to be part of the process. Even if you are not a current user of the Park, your views can play an important part in shaping it for future generations and

I would urge everyone to see these plans and make up their own minds on how this historic landmark in the centre of the City can best be regenerated."

In addition, residents may also express their opinion by the completing the comment form on the Council's website www.lisburncity.gov.uk, emailing wallacepark@lisburn.gov.uk or by writing to the Director of Leisure Services, using the following freepost address: Lisburn City Council, Freepost BEL 4113, The Civic Centre, Lagan Valley Island, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4BR.

Comments will be received up to Wednesday May 21. It is hoped that the plans will be finalised in June, with work commencing in the Autumn.

THE Council have released the concept plan for Wallace Park which outline's the proposals for the redevelopment of the park. Each number on the plan relates to the Council's / consultants' proposals for each area identified.

1. Car Park

Existing car park to be extended into area currently occupied by dog toilet. Car parking provision to be increased from 54 to 107 spaces.

Recycling facilities to be retained.

New lighting to be provided to car park and footpath link to Cricket Pavilion.

2. Bandstand

Bandstand to be retained, cleaned and refurbished.

Area around bandstand to be widened, levelled and repaved to create a seating and potential events/performance space.

New access pathways to be provided from Main Avenue. Existing steep access path from Main Avenue to be replaced with steps.

3. Pond

Drainage problem to south of pond to be rectified.

Evergreen shrubs to be thinned and cleared to open up lines of vision to and from pond. Replace edge railing around pond with new railing of similar style.

Repair perimeter pathways and refurbish edge of pond, widening pathway on northern edge. Provide timber-decked platform for viewing and feeding ducks. Refurbish steps leading to Main Avenue.

4. Play Area

Replace existing play area with high quality enclosed 'Flagship' play area, incorporating a hard surface multi-games area.

Provide new public toilet and cafe kiosk building at entrance to play area.

5. Maintenance Compound Fence off maintenance building

to create a secure maintenance compound area. Refurbish maintenance building. Provide hedge and tree planting to screen compound.

6. Former Velodrome

Remove southern embankment to open up views towards soccer pitch and play area from Deans Walk. Retain pitch and upgrade surface for use as events space during summer months.

Create grassed terraces in cutting adjacent to Main Avenue to facilitate viewing of games/events.

7.Changing Pavilion/Tennis Courts

Replace existing changing building with new improved changing pavilion.

Pavilion to be of traditional build, red brick, slate roof, etc. Retain and refurbish 3 Tennis Courts with floodlighting. Replace perimeter fencing and control access to rear of Cricket Pavilion.

Provide new access paths linking new pavilion to Deans Walk. Provide lighting to access path link to car park.

8. Soccer Pitches

Retain existing soccer pitches.

9. Park Boundaries

Provide low hedge planting to screen perimeter fencing to park.

10.Pedestrian Entrances

Repave pedestrian entrances to Main Avenue from Belsize Road and Magheralave Road. Continue (dropped) kerb lines to public footpath across each entrance to discourage vehicular access.

General Improvement Work includes: -

Improved drainage throughout the park.

Resurfacing to existing pathways.

Replacement of existing seating, bins and signal with a co-ordinated suite of park furniture.

Ulster Star
09/05/2008