Ahead of the £5 million Heritage Lottery Fund application submission, the Council have released the plans for Cassiobury Park.
These include a refurbishment of the paddling pools, relocating the bandstand, plans for a new community hub, improvements to the Cha Cha Cha cafe and introducing charges for the currently free Gade Avenue car park.
The verdict from the Lottery Fund will be announced in June. If approved, the works are expected to be completed by summer 2016. For a video of the proposals visit: vimeo.com/70483322.
One of the most substantial changes is a new community hub by the paddling pools, which will provide changing cubicles for users of the pools and sports events, as well as a cafe and space available to rent for exhibitions, educational, community and school use.
The paddling pools themselves will also be redesigned, retaining the three pools, but introducing play fountains.
The bandstand, currently outside Watford Town Hall, will be moved back to the park, this time near the pools. It will be set on a grass mound as opposed to a stone plinth.
The Cha Cha Cha cafe is also set to be refurbished, including the restoration of its garden area with a new paved veranda.
The plans also include improvements to entrances to the Park, with the Rickmansworth Road entrance redesign echoing the historic Cassiobury Park gates and including new trees and landscaping.
The proposals further include plans to rebuild the water wheel on the River Gade at the site of the old Mill House. Upgrades to paths around the park, a meditation area and a community garden are also expected.
The Council have proposed plans for a £150,000 refurbishment of the Gade Avenue car park, including introducing parking charges, reporting that a flat £2 charge could generate around £70,000 a year.
Binita says “Thank you to the residents who have already been in touch about the plans. There are some very exciting features included, but also some areas of concern. Let me know what you think”
Binita wold be keen to hear your views at [email protected]