Plans for ‘world class park’ in Bispham press ahead

Plans to create a ‘world class park’ in Bispham are pressing ahead, with a new football pitch, play equipment and better access set to improve a popular green space.

The proposed changes are coming to the Cavendish Road Recreation Ground,  located between Holmfield Road and Cavendish Road.

The first of three phases of work saw fencing removed to open up the park on one side, with a new football pitch set to be created in the new space. The dog walking area will be moved to the old grass football area.

The second phase, which got underway in September,  saw work carried out to relocate the children’s playground to the new open grassed area giving it more space, while entrances to the park will also be improved with railings repainted and a notice board installed.

The third and final phase of work proposes new benches and planting including a number of trees.

Improved access, from the Holmfield Road end, can now get underway following a successful planning application to Blackpool Council for a new access ramp.

The plans were outlined in a Design and Access Statement which said: “The site is a recreational ground, which houses a crown green bowling green and club house, a children’s playground and a dog walking park.

“There are also plans to allow for a football pitch within the grounds.

“Access to the park is from the front of the park off Holmfield Road but the current ramp has a steep gradient, so it is not fit for purpose,
especially in the winter months.

“The park is used by people of all ages and is known to be used by people with mobility issues.

“Plans for the new children’s playground include some SEN playground equipment, so full DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)-compliant access will be required.

“The proposal allows for an access ramp at a gradient of no greater than 1:15 and to achieve this, the first run of the ramp is to run parallel with the boundary wall, with a landing to return back on itself.

“The ramp is to be positioned against the existing boundary wall and adjacent to the existing path/ramp. This means the encroachment onto usable space within the grounds is kept to a minimum.”

On the park walls are various murals which have been carried out by a local college and the bowling club have liaised with the college and will paint the ramp walls following construction.

Cllr Paul Wilshaw has been overseeing the work.

He said previously: “Part of our vision for Bispham is for it to have a world-class park. These three phases will deliver a park providing facilities for young people, dog walkers, tennis players, footballers and bowlers as well as families.

“This development is a huge win for our community.”