contents · resurface st peter’s square natural play features st peter’s church survey bulb...
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Contents
Purpose of the Report
Project Delivery
Work Completed this Year
Next Phase of Work Being Taken Forward
Proposals for the Future
Consultation - Executive Summary
Engagement Activity
Comments and Recommendations
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is to identify
themes from the comments received
during the Castle Park consultation
process. It will also identify any
suggestions and proposals that were
outside the scope of the consultation but
could benefit the park and its users. The
report includes recommendations for this
project and for future phases of
improvement work as and when funding
becomes available.
The report was put together following
analysis and consideration of all the
comments made through the online
consultation and also those collected at
the week long consultation event held in
the park in November 2015. It also
considers comments made by the
Learning Disability Partnership Board,
Castle Parks Users Group, the Civic
Society, Basement Youth Drop-In and the
Older People’s Partnership Board.
Comments have been split into the
following categories:
1. Events
2. St Peter’s Church
3. St Peter’s Square
4. Lighting
5. Anti-Social Behaviour
6. Nature
7. Cycle Path
8. History and Archaeology
9. Play
10. Exercise Equipment
11. Parkour
12. Art
13. Toilets
14. Vaulted Chambers
15. Furniture
16. Mounds
17. Path Network
18. Entrances & Boundaries
19. St Mary-le- Port
Project Delivery
Work Completed this Year
Improvements to Wine Street
boundary
Removal of the old play area
Installation of 13 new bins
Work being progressed:
Filling in and providing access to the
Castle Keep and opening the area to
the public
Repair of the ‘Beside the Still Waters’
artwork
Installation of 5 new interpretation
panels
Repair of all the existing benches
Next Phase of Work Being
Taken Forward
Following analysis of the consultation
results and further discussion with other
City Council services the following
recommendations were identified as
priorities for the next phase of
improvement work and are being taken
forward:
Reinforced grass in the arena
(events) area
Resurface St Peter’s Square
Natural Play Features
St Peter’s Church Survey
Bulb Planting
Cycle Racks
Vaulted Chambers Survey
Chess Tables
Picnic Tables
Table tennis tables
A measured running/walking route
Petanque/boules
Proposals for the Future The decision not to include a new play
area was taken as the level of support for
play was not as high as it was for some
other proposals (ie resurfacing St Peter’s
Square and the installation of natural
play). As a new play area is a high cost
item the decision was taken to defer the
installation of a formal fenced play area
until further funding becomes available.
The council is committed to delivering a
Framework for the Old City and Bristol
Shopping Area which will include a master
plan for Castle Park. It is better that the
following proposals, that received a high
level of public support through
consultation, are considered as part of
that work:
Renovating and re-using the
vaulted chambers.
Restoring St Peter’s Church as a
usable space for events,
exhibitions and visitors.
Improving the existing paths and
creating better routes through the
park.
Improving all of the entrances into
the park.
A major new entrance into the
park at Broadweir and Lower
Castle Street corner.
Consultation - Executive Summary
The Castle Park Improvement Project
consultation ran for 12 weeks from
29th September to 24th December
2015. 91% of respondents liked the idea of
wildflower/bulb planting in the park (3%
disliked this idea).
84% liked the idea of more picnic tables in
the park (8% disliked this).
84% of respondents liked the proposal to
restore St Peter’s Church as a usable
space for events, exhibitions and visitors
(9% disliked this).
81% liked new surfacing in St Peter’s
Square. 8% disliked.
81% liked the proposal of renovating and
re-using the Vaulted Chambers (15%
disliked.
80% liked the proposal of improving existing paths and creating better routes through the park (13% disliked).
71% liked the idea of having natural play
features put in around the Castle Keep
remains. 16% disliked this idea.
71% liked new direction signs throughout
the park (8% disliked).
69% liked the proposal of improving all
the entrances into the park (22%
disliked).
68% of respondents liked the proposal of
grassing over the current play area (12%
disliked). 56% liked the proposal to use it
for a parkour course (23% disliked). 47%
liked the idea of using the space for
exercise equipment (34% disliked), whilst
35% liked the idea of converting it into a
Multi Use Games Area (44% disliked).
68% liked the idea of putting chess tables
in the park. 66% liked table tennis tables
and 63% liked pentanque/boules.
66% of respondents liked the idea of a
measured running/walking route in the
park (10% disliked).
65% liked the proposal of a major new
entrance into the park at Broadweir and
Lower Castle Street corner (22% disliked).
58% liked the proposal of a matching
style of park furniture (30% disliked).
Over half (52%) of respondents preferred
that the mounds remained as they are.
31% preferred that they were reduced in
height, whilst 17% preferred that they
were removed.
47% liked improving the grass coverage
by laying a more durable turf, whilst 41%
liked installing a reinforced system.
44% of respondents preferred traditional
play equipment, making it the most
popular type.
41% of respondents agreed that a fenced
play area is a priority in Castle Park. 32%
disagreed.
31% liked more park information
available via smart phones such as QR
codes (28% disliked).
Engagement Activity
The consultation was promoted through the following channels: • Consultation Finder, Have Your Say • Castle Park web page • Social media • Flyers and posters to residents and businesses in the area • Questionnaires and posters in all libraries • Slides for Temple St, Libraries and Citizen Service Points
• Interpretation panels display in Central Library • Week long consultation event in Castle Park In addition the following groups were consulted: • The Civic Society • Disabled People’s Partnership Board • Older People’s Partnership Board • Basement Youth Drop-in • Castle Park Users Group
Comments and Recommendations
1. Events
Comments received about events in Castle
Park were fairly mixed with some people
in favour of large scale events, some
people only in favour of free or
community events that are open to the
general public and other people against all
events as they damage the grass and the
environment.
Examples of comments in favour of
events included:
‘Please continue to allow larger summer
events to take place in the park. It’s a
perfect location and has hosted much
needed festivals such as Pride and the
children’s zone for the Harbour festival’.
‘More events please and retain and help
gay pride use the space successfully’
Examples against the use of Castle Park
for events included:
‘Events must not be disruptive for
residents living near the park, and must
not stop use of the park by those
residents. Parks closure for events is not
acceptable.’
Other proposals for events included ‘build
a stage inside the church remains for
performances of plays, create an
ampthitheatre, use the bandstand, open
air cinema, brass bands, use the Vaulted
Chambers and St Peter’s Church for
weddings’.
‘The arena area is not really suitable for
any other than modest events. The council
should direct bigger events to more
appropriate sites’.
Consultation with the Learning Disabilities
Partnership Board has raised the issue of
changing facilities being made available at
all events such as Mobiloos or AndyLoos.
Recommendations: 1. Continue to enable Castle Park to act as an important city centre events space and ensure that these are appropriate to the scale and public use of the park. 2. Improve grass coverage in the arena area by laying a new reinforced system.
2. St Peter’s Square Relatively few comments were received
specifically about St Peter’s Square
however in the questionnaire the
proposal to resurface parts of the square
received a high level of positive responses
with 81% in favour.
Comments received included:
‘More use needs to be made of the square
next to St Peter's Church, it's just a dead
space’.
‘Put active uses in St Peter's square to
increase footfall - art exhibitions,
musicians, etc.’
‘I think the area around St Peter's Church,
the square and water feature to the rear
especially, are underused at the moment,
as they are the centrepiece of the park’.
‘Events and film crews in St Peter’s Square
block access for the public across the
square – should leave walkways open for
public users.’
‘The paved areas around St Peter’s church
have potential for more activity, eg
daytime activity spilling out from the café,
evening activity such as small-scale
outdoor drama or concerts, using a
temporary covered stage.’ Bristol Civic
Society
Recommendations: 1. Resurface the square and improve it for public enjoyment. 2. Bring in restrictions on vehicle access.
3. St Peter’s Church
It was evident from a number of the
comments received about St Peters
Church that some people wanted the
building to be left as it is ie as a ruin and
war memorial. Others wanted the church
redeveloped or restored for use as an
exhibition and performance space and
some people wanted to use it as a
wedding venue.
Comments received included:
‘St Peters Church is history and must be
left as it is’.
I think St Peters Church should be left as a
ruin but made more accessible for visitors
with information about its history’.
‘Whilst I like the idea of St Peters being
opened up for exhibitions and events I
would like to see a meaningful
undertaking that its historical and sacred
nature will not be abused with
inappropriate events’.
‘The church walls must be made safe but I
would strongly like to see it preserved as
John Piper style ruined church war
memorial’.
Recommendation: 1. Commission a survey of the church to help identify options for restoring and using the building.
4. Lighting
All comments received about lighting
were in favour of upgrading the lighting in
the park particularly around the mounds.
Along with increased CCTV it was thought
lighting would make the park safer,
reduce anti-social behaviour and
encourage people to use the park more
after dark.
Examples of comments made included:
‘Lighting is key to safety in the park,
particularly on winter nights. This should
be improved urgently as it would
encourage people to use the park and
increase safety.’
‘I don't walk through it at night due to
poor lighting and varied terrain so
reducing mounds and installing more
street lights would be highly beneficial’
Recommendation: 1. When funding allows install LED lighting to all columns throughout the park which will increase lighting levels and reduce maintenance costs over time.
‘Solar powered lighting to make the park
safer at night time?’
‘Upgrade current lighting to LED but still
keeping the traditional style’
‘More lighting or CCTV to make it a safer
place for people to relax and enjoy the
area’.
The Learning Disabilities Partnership
Board also asked for improved lighting in
the park as did the young people at the
Basement Drop-In Centre.
5. Anti Social Behaviour
Many of the comments made were
specifically about anti-social behaviour
(ASB) in the former play area which has
now been removed. It is clear from
comments that ASB in various guises is a
major problem in the park and needs to
be addressed. Suggestions to improve
this situation include enhanced lighting
and CCTV and increased policing. Areas of
concern included rough sleepers,
sanitation issues, graffiti and vandalism,
litter, drug users and needles left in the
park and aggressive seagulls! Examples of
comments included:
‘Anti -social behaviour is the main thing
that spoils the park for me - I walk through
every day and I'm often faced with soft
drug use - and congregations of young
people which some people can find
intimidating’
‘Crime or fear of crime is a major issue,
especially at night walking between old
market and Bristol bridge’
‘I've walked through the park virtually
every night for the last decade, and have
never seen any anti-social behaviour.
Don't be so pessimistic about young
people. People mainly use the hills to sit
on, and have their lunch’
Young people at the Basement Youth
Drop-in Centre identified security as an
issue and wanted the park to be safer and
more comfortable potentially with more
shelter from the elements and better
CCTV and lighting. They also raised
concerns about drugs and begging in the
park.
Recommendations: 1. Upgrade lighting when funding allows. 2. Install more/replace bins to tackle litter. 3. Discuss ASB issues with the Police and how best to tackle these.
6. Nature
A high number of comments mentioned
the importance of nature and wildlife in
the park. There was lots of support for
more planting especially for wild flowers
and woodland and grassland to encourage
wildlife and biodiversity.
Examples of comments included:
‘Don't over manage it let some parts stay
natural’.
‘I appreciate the edible city vegetable beds
and would like to see these kept /
extended.’
‘Please add more interesting planting -
shrubs, flowers etc. The park currently
feels quite bare and municipal.’
Recommendation: 1. Include more bulb planting /wild flower planting as proposed and discuss potential to extend edible food projects where appropriate.
7. Cycle Path
Many of the comments received about
the cycle path were specifically about the
Bristol Bridge junction and the cobbled
area. Many of these issues will be
addressed by the cycle path and junction
improvements due to be carried out in
May and June 2016.
There were lots of comments about better
segregation between pedestrians and
cyclists as below:
‘I really wish there could be more
segregated space for cycling, such as a
cycle path along the north side’.
‘Separation of pedestrians and cyclists
who frequently fail to show consideration
for the older and younger users of the
park.’
‘I would like to see better separation
between cyclists and pedestrians -
pedestrians wander too easily into cycle
paths.’
Other suggestions made during this
consultation exercise can be considered in
the future but are outside the scope of
this project:
‘Close Castle Street to vehicles and make it
a much more attractive entrance to the
whole area’.
‘Improve the cycling routes through Castle
Park. Make the Bristol Bridge entrance
smooth’.
‘Create cycle routes to Union Street and
Fairfax Street. Change the cycle path
surface height/texture/colour to allow
users to better distinguish it’.
‘The entrance to the park on Castle Street
could be pedestrianised, and the cycle
route extended’.
‘There needs to be cycle parking provided
within the park’.
The Learning Disabilities Partnership
Board would also like better segregation
of pedestrians and cyclists on the cycle
path as well as improved wheelchair
accessibility around the park and
delineated footpaths and surface.
Recommendations: 1. Continue to provide safe routes through the park for pedestrians and cyclists as opportunities arise. 2. Install cycle racks.
8. History and Archaeology
A large number of comments were
received about the history and
archaeology of the park asking that more
information about its historical
development be made available on site.
Many comments mentioned that the old
medieval street layout should be marked
out or at least sign posted in some way. It
was also considered that the park could
become an important educational asset
and tourist attraction.
Typical comments included:
‘…maybe there should be markers on the
floor exactly where things stood, the
street lines so we have a better
understanding of what we lost.’
‘…there is absolutely no indication to
users/visitors that this was once the
historic hub of Bristol (post Castle era).’
‘Consider a long term plan to make more
of the site in relation to its history.....this
site is the birthplace of Bristol and the site
of Bristol Castle, it should be a major
tourist attraction!’
‘Extensive historical interpretation and the
history of Bristol Castle through the ages
should be provided. Markers throughout
the park to allow visitors to visualise the
castle through the ages.’
Recommendations: 1. Consider a way to mark out the
medieval street pattern. 2. Create a temporary or permanent
exhibition about the history of the site eventually for display in a restored St Peters Church or Vaulted Chambers.
3. Create a history trail and explore ways of using Castle Park as an educational resource.
4. Make more information available via web pages.
9. Play
The old play area in Castle Park has
recently been removed as it reached the
end of its life and could no longer be
maintained. The consultation process
asked the question ‘Do you agree that
Castle Park needs a new fenced play area
as a priority? There was no clear
consensus of opinion on this with almost
as many people agreeing that a play area
was needed as people disagreeing.
Therefore the decision has been taken not
to include a new fenced play area in Castle
Park at this time. We will however be
looking to install more natural play
features in the park as part of this project
as this was a popular proposal.
Comments received in favour of new play
equipment suggested variations in the
style of equipment preferred. Preferences
were mixed between provision of bespoke
and unique play equipment and
traditional robust ‘value for money’ kit.
Lots of comments mentioned the issue of
maintenance and that it was more
important to ensure that any play
equipment would be high quality, robust
equipment that would withstand heavy
use and could not easily be vandalised.
Many comments made were against
having a new play area in Castle Park at all
suggesting that it was unnecessary in a
city centre park and that there were not
enough children living in the area to merit
a new play area and that the open space
provided by the park is sufficient to meet
current play needs.
Recommendations: 1. Defer installation of a formal fenced play area until further funding becomes available in order that other improvements that received a higher priority weighting can be implemented. 2. The proposal to incorporate natural play features is popular and can be implemented from the current budget as it is relatively low cost and less intrusive on the landscape.
10. Exercise Equipment
All comments received were in favour of
installing exercise equipment and
suggestions included a climbing wall,
stone boulders, slack lining posts, a keep
fit trail, pull up bars, a running track,
cricket nets, basketball hoop, dry ski
slope, wave machine, trampolines,
monkey bars.
Comments included:
‘Outdoor gym and workout apparatus
would help the idea that Bristol is a
'healthy city'.
‘Outdoor gym would be good for all and it
would encourage families to get fit
together for free.’
Recommendation: 1. Consider installing exercise equipment and / or a keep fit trail when further funding becomes available.
11. Parkour/Free Running
All comments received were in favour of a
parkour / free running course being
installed.
Comments included:
‘I would very much advocate the parkour
space being built, as it is a good way to
make use of your environment for
exercise/leisure in a non-destructive and
creative way’.
‘A parkour park as it is suitable for all ages
and will always be used because the
community really need a better located
parkour park.’
Young people at The Basement Youth
Drop-In Centre also mentioned a MUGA,
and a skate area
Recommendation: 1. Consider when further funding becomes available.
12. Art
Many comments asked for more spaces
for performance art. Lots of people
mentioned the SANCTUM event at Temple
Church and suggested that St Peter’s in
Castle Park could be used in a similar way.
Also that the Vaulted Chambers should be
used for live music, comedy, open mic
events and by independent artists.
‘It would also be nice to have a sculpture
installed or an art work, something
modern and contemporary’.
Recommendations: 1. Further consideration of using park buildings for arts events and performances once they are restored. 2. Restore the ‘Beside the Still Waters’ art work.
13. Toilets
Relatively few comments were received
through the online consultation about the
toilets but all of them asked for improved
toilet facilities. Other suggestions
included better baby changing facilities
and also keeping the toilets open for
longer during the summer months.
People also wanted the toilets to be
better signposted.
Consultation with the Learning Disabilities
Partnership Board has raised the issue of
changing facilities being made available at
all event such as Mobiloo or AndyLoos.
Recommendations: 1. Improve toilet facilities when funding
is available.
14. Vaulted Chambers
Comments made about the vaulted
chambers were all in favour in re-using
the building for various uses including a
café, a restaurant, a space for exhibitions
and performances and as a wedding
venue.
Comments received included:
‘Renovation of the vaulted chambers
would be a priority. This could be let to a
cafe, which would pay for the renovation
costs and would have a significant benefit
on this area of the park. I am surprised
that this is not on the list for the current
plans.’
‘With regards to the renovation of the
vaulted chambers - Bristol has a thriving
community of independent artists and
creative businesses, and using the space
for live music, street performance, craft
markets and open mics would be a really
nice use of the space.’
Young people at The Basement Youth
Drop-In Centre wanted to use the vaulted
Chambers as a Youth Hub and Centre for
micro businesses run by young people.
Recommendation: 1. Continue with immediate repairs to the building and consider what longer term restoration or improvement is appropriate and the funds needed to achieve this.
15. Furniture
Lots of comments were received about
the furniture in the park. Many people
wanted more bins or bigger bins and more
benches particularly on the Castle St Path.
In addition some people wanted recycling
bins and bbq stands and there was a
mixed response to the proposal for picnic
tables.
Comments received included:
‘More benches needed - traditional
seating with backs for older people/tied
shoppers.
‘Better space for those on lunch breaks at
work, seating, lunch areas etc.’
‘Bigger / more litter bins to cope with
peak.’
Recommendations: 1. Repair benches and consider more
in specific locations. 2. Replace bins/provide more bins
especially if picnic tables are installed.
3. Install picnic benches where appropriate.
4. Repair water fountain on the cycle path.
16. Mounds
Most of the comments received about the
mounds were in favour of keeping them
as they add visual interest and support
some important trees. A smaller number
of comments were in favour of removing
them if they would improve surveillance
and reduce opportunities for ASB.
Example of comments received:
‘Modification of mounds should be
explored, but must be informed by the
impact of any works on existing high
quality trees.’
‘The moulds make the park attractive and
interesting and give character - flatness is
boring!’
‘The mounds add character & interest. It is
wasted money to remove or reduce them.’
‘I am in favour of removing the mounds
but NOT if it meant removing the trees.’
‘In general, the mounds add
interest and character, and are fun
for children, and the trees on them
should not be removed without
very good reason. However, it
would help somehow to achieve
greater visibility of the old
playground area from the rest of
the park.’ Bristol Civic Society
Recommendation: 1. Retain the mounds as they are for the time being.
17. Path Network
Comments about the path network were
mostly about improving connections
across the park and making the space
easier to navigate. Examples of
comments included:
‘Improvement of routes across the park
would be good – it’s often a zigzag to get
from A-B.’
‘Improve existing paths - Aren't they good
enough? Do people really need to be
directed that much?’
‘I would like you to note my view that all
new paths should be comfortable for
wheelchair users, all new equipment
should be accessible and that the café
needs more tables. These could also be
used by people who want to play board
games.’
Recommendation: 1. Improvements to the path network will be considered as part of the emerging master plan for Castle Park.
18. Entrances and
Boundaries
Mixed views were received on the park
entrances but it was clear that some
improvements could be made. Comments
included:
‘The entrance from High Street and Bristol
Bridge is heavily used but is a poor muddle
of different materials, levels, bike and
pedestrian routes and leads to very slow
and dangerous light controlled pedestrian
crossing.’
‘From the NE, Cabot shopping area, the
dark grey stone walls are VERY uninviting.
There needs to be a new, welcoming
entrance here.
‘Improve interaction with street and
entrances ASAP.’
‘I feel that the entrance to the park on
Castle Street should be pedestrianised,
with an extension to the existing cycle
route through to Tower Hill’
‘The entrance at Broadweir / Lower Castle
Street is meant to imitate an old castle.
Old castles were meant to frighten and
prevent entry. On this basis the entrance
was only too successful. It needs to be
brightened and cheered up’
Recommendation: 1. Improve existing entrances and create a new entrance to Cabot Circus as and when funding allows.
19. St Mary-le-Port Site
Although outside the scope of this project
the St Mary-le-Port site received a
number of comments the vast majority of
which want the Norwich Union / Lloyds
building demolished and the church
remains restored / preserved.
Comments included:
‘The relationship with the derelict site at St
Mary-le -Port should be considered as part
of the proposal.’
‘Vaulted chambers and St Mary Le Port
church remains both need better
protection from vandalism and graffiti’
‘Though not of the scope of this survey the
area around St Mary Le Port Church
should be restored to it's pre-war beauty.’
Recommendation: 1. Ensure any comments made about St Mary-le-Port are fed into any plans made to redevelop that part of the park.