Improvements to award-winning Gheluvelt Park backed by planners

 Worcester City Council’s proposals to build new visitor facilities in its popular and award-winning Gheluvelt Park have taken a step forward, with permission granted at a meeting of the planning committee today to revamp the existing Sons of Rest pavilion.

The Park’s new pavilion will be rebuilt on exactly the same location as the existing one – close to the Park’s Splashpad water play area - and will be of the same basic dimensions.  It will house six new toilets (one of which will be wheelchair accessible and will include baby changing facilities) and a refreshment kiosk designed to serve teas and coffees, ice creams and snacks.
 
The modern, energy efficient building will also include a community room that is suitable for use during the winter months as well as over the summer.
 
Cllr Jabba Riaz, Cabinet Member for Clean, Green and Leisure Services said: “Our popular Splashpad has proved a real hit with visitors this summer and so I’m pleased that proposals to introduce even better facilities for next year are moving forward.
 
“We are committed to investing in Worcester’s parks and open spaces, and to maintaining the highest possible standards within them.”
 
Gheluvelt was placed in the top three best parks in the country in last year’s national Fields in Trust awards and has recently been awarded a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of the consistently high marks visitors give it on the popular website.
 
The next step in this new project will be for the City Council’s Cabinet, which meets on 21 September, to give the go-ahead for the appointment of a building contractor and of an operator for the new kiosk.
 
The planning committee also today granted permission for a new permanent sign showing the name of the park in a style that complements the distinctive gates and railings at the main entrance to the park. Visible from the main road, it will be framed by an aluminium-brushed metal arch resting on two pillars and will also display park notices and details of forthcoming events.