Charity submits plans to transform community park

The plans include building new sports facilities and play equipment in Green Park

A charity has submitted plans to transform a community park almost a century after it was donated to the public.

The proposals include building new sports facilities and play equipment in Green Park in Horbury, Wakefield.

The land, off Westfield Road, was donated by businessman John Henry Green in 1925 for the benefit of the people of Horbury “forever” to use as public playing fields or recreation grounds.

Michael Cudworth from the Horbury Heritage Trust (HHT), which is behind the application, said it was "vitally important that we revive this fantastic community asset”.

“It will continue to be underused and undervalued if it does not receive investment, ultimately placing it at long term risk," he added.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the park was originally operated by Horbury Urban District Council but passed to Wakefield Council in 1974 due to local government reorganisation.

A planning application said the park has deteriorated in the last 50 years “as pitches have become unplayable and play equipment has been removed”.

The document adds: “Council spending has been squeezed and they often do not have access to funds which are open to charities.”

On 1 August, the council agreed a community asset transfer to allow the HHT to run the park on a 50-year lease.

The group already runs the nearby Primrose Hall as a community facility.

The project to take the park back into local ownership has also involved a second charity, Horbury Common Lands Trust (HCLT).

'New lease of life'

The land was donated to the public by businessman John Henry Green

Under the plans, HHT will manage the park with the support of an annual grant towards running costs from HCLT.

The groups carried out a feasibility study before submitting the plan to see if the park could be turned into facility “suitable for the people of Horbury in the 21st Century.”

Proposals include building rugby changing rooms, a multi-use games area, outdoor gym equipment and a playground for toddlers.

The scheme also involves building 20 new car parking spaces, an access ramp and a network of new footpaths.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the trust also says: “It is intended that the park will be a place where visitors will enjoy a unique experience.

“The park will have a strong and positive identity that will give the park a new lease of life, and will engender a sense of pride in the local community.”

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