Land
Groundwork Solent is experienced in providing professional landscape services and design to community groups, housing associations, local businesses, and schools for nearly ten years. Our landscape work includes feasibility studies, sketch schemes, planning applications, contract administration and budget control for works on site. All our projects involve consultation of all affected parties in the design process and are we highly experienced in various consultation methods and exploring every opportunity for community participation.
Examples
Weston Shore, Southampton
Weston Shore, a former landfill site, is a unique location in the city, a linear undeveloped piece of shoreline 2.2km long with wide open spaces, West Wood and the intertidal flats which are of international importance for waterfowl. Southampton City Council is leading on a major £1.5m regeneration of the area.
Groundwork Solent was commissioned by Southampton City Council to produce a masterplan for the recreational elements of the wider redevelopment, namely the multi-use games area, entrance to the adjacent West Wood, and the refurbishment of the existing Pirates Play area.
With the site bordering major housing estates, and the Weston Shore being the only accessible open space to this traditionally isolated and deprived ward, this project satisfies a major need and presents a genuine opportunity for a step change in provision for local residents.
Groundwork Solent delivered the multi-use games area from consultation, design, fundraising and implementation, raising £130,000 in third party funding.
In addition to the £40,000 capital sum from Barclays, a further £20,000 was secured from Barclays to fund a three year development programme providing a range of sports and coaching courses on site. This is being delivered by Southampton City Council Youth Service.
Mansel Park, Southampton
In 2004, Southampton City Council undertook a major consultation with local residents to ascertain the views of residents regarding a range of improvement options for Mansel Park. From this consultation a masterplan for Mansel Park was created, and over the last couple of years, a wide range of improvements have been carried out, including the creation of a boggy play area, the refurbishment of a traditional play area, and various access enhancements.
Groundwork Solent was commissioned to design, fund and implement a new multi-use games area, and in May 2006 successfully secured over £75,000 from Barclays Spaces for Sport. In addition £15,000 has been secured from the Outer Shirley Regeneration.
Groundwork Solent began works on the multi-use games area in July 2006, and it was completed in September 2006
In addition to Barclays Spaces for Sport capital funding, a further £20,000 has been secured from Barclays enabling the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Options to deliver a range of coaching opportunities at the site over three years.
Alver Valley Country Park, Gosport
The Alver Valley near Gosport consists 240 hectares of former landfill, which is now being transformed into a new woodland park. Part of the existing wooded river valley is designated SSSI and with extensive reed beds, is rich in birds, insects and mammals.
Groundwork Solent and Gosport Borough Council have worked with local people to create a masterplan, and with funding from Onyx, RMC, Forestry Commission, Countryside Agency and English Nature is creating a spectacular woodland park in the urban fringe. It will be a wonderful place for visitors and residents alike and particularly for children to play, but the improvements will also enhance and protect the wildlife. Once this plan is implemented the park will see over £500,000 worth of improvements including the installation of access routes and boardwalks. Work has already begun with over 12,000 trees planted and the installation of a BMX track.
49 Stoke Road
Gosport
Hampshire PO12 1LS
T 023 9261 7020
F 023 9242 0418
E solent@groundwork.org.uk