Residents of Billingshurst are being invited to help shape new play, recreation and community spaces that will benefit people of all ages in Billingshurst.
Proposed improvements that are set to be consulted on include new and more accessible play equipment, a pump track, new paths and seating.
The projects are designed to help create more welcoming places for children and young people to play, give residents more opportunities to be active and make popular recreation spaces easier for everyone to enjoy.
A public consultation will run from 14 to 28 September, giving residents the opportunity to view the proposals and help shape the final designs.
The proposed improvements include:
- A new perimeter path and seating area at Lower Station Road Recreation Ground
- A pump track (a circuit of bumps and dips to cycle without pedalling for young children and experienced riders)
- New sensory, accessible and natural play equipment at Natts Lane Play Area
- A new seating area, upgraded lighting and improvements to the ballcourt at Station Road Community Gardens
- A new play area for younger children at Jubilee Fields.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher said: “The exciting improvements will create better places for children to play, help people of all ages to be more active and make some of Billingshurst’s most valued community spaces even more welcoming and accessible.
Local people have already played an important part in helping us identify where investment is most needed. We are encouraging residents to look at the proposals and tell us what they think, so that together we can deliver improvements that will benefit the Billingshurst community for many, many years to come.”
The projects form part of Horsham District Council’s Better Billingshurst Programme, which is investing in community facilities and infrastructure across the Parish. The Programme is funded through a £1 million contribution from the Council and developer contributions arising from housing development in Billingshurst.
Essential roof repairs at Jubilee Fields Pavilion is the first completed project from this stage of the Programme. The work was prioritised because of the deteriorating condition of the roof. Completing the repairs safeguards the building and means it can continue to support local sports clubs and community activities.
Mark Betts, Chairman of the Billingshurst Sports and Recreation Association (BSRA) said: "The soffits, fascias, bargeboards and guttering on the pavilion were all in very poor condition, so we are delighted to see these vital repair works completed and would like to thank Horsham District Council for supporting this project”
The Council has been working closely with Billingshurst Parish Council and local community organisations to identify priorities and develop the proposals. The projects were selected following earlier consultation with the wider community and consideration by the Better Billingshurst Spending Panel, which brings together representatives from Horsham District Council, Billingshurst Parish Council and the local community to consider priorities and help shape how the programme’s funding is invested.
Residents can view the proposals and complete the consultation by visiting the Council website.