River Park
Park Plan
The park plan was formally adopted in early 2022. There has been steady progress since with all works being budget dependent.
River Park Path Project Update - We are committed to providing a diverse range of accessible recreational opportunities in this popular park. The proposals for a permeable perimeter path have been developed in consultation with stakeholders and consultants, from the concept ideas proposed in our adopted River Park Plan.
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Why is the path needed?
The path aims to:
• Improve accessibility for walkers, people using buggies or mobility scooters, and those less able to walk on uneven ground
• Reduce grass damage and mud caused by heavy use, especially in winter
• Support informal recreation and health and wellbeingIt is not designed as a running track, although runners will be able to use it.
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Has this already been approved?
Cabinet approved the project which will be funded by Community Infrastructure Levy, subject to us carrying out detailed design and technical and safety assessments.
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Is this near protected habitats?
The route is close to environmentally sensitive areas, including the River Itchen. The path surface will be permeable, helping water soak into the ground and avoiding runoff into the river. Appropriate permissions have been received from the Environment Agency to carry out the work in the vicinity of the watercourse.
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How will trees and their roots be protected?
The path will use a “no-dig” construction method, developed with our arboriculture team, which allows the path to be built without damaging roots.
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Will this affect the sports pitches?
The results of ball-strike and health & safety assessments will be used to inform the final design, as we recognise the importance of all sports at River Park.
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Has biodiversity been considered?
The project includes biodiversity improvements, such as native shrubs, groundcover planting and wildflower seeding on the park boundary and river-facing sides of the path.
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Where can I see the plans of the proposals?
The proposals will be uploaded on this webpage as soon as they are available and agreeed.
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Technical Studies
Prior to commencing any works, a number of technical studies were undertaken throughout 2023/24; these surveys have established which elements of the Park Plan can be delivered. The studies included ecology, trees, utility services, bridge strutural survey and topography covering all elements within the Park Plan. We are fortunate to have a fantastic diversity of wildlife including otters, water voles and white clawed crayfish in and around the Itchen River. It is important to ensure that we do nothing that negatively impacts these species.
These comprehensive surveys now provide the level of detail needed to plan the exact location and specification for the proposed perimeter path and the optimum placing for new benches. The ecological surveys have determined that access to the river should be discouraged in order to protect and where possible enhance the river's wildlife and biodiversity.
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Phased Approach
There are many elements that were identified within the Park Plan - more information and locations on each element can be viewed on the Suite of Ideas (pdf, 20mb) plan.
The proposed elements collected during the consultation exercise were grouped into 10 areas for potential delivery as shown in the tables below. Grouping the elements in this way will help achieve value for money, minimise disruption to park users whilst works are taking place, and ensure consistency of design throughout the park.
Entrances
Plaza
River works
Seating / meeting
Perimeter Path
Park Avenue entrance - any upgrade will be linked to future works on the old leisure centre site
Plaza multi-functional space with water jets - although a potentially fun element it is not deemed financially viable and goes against the carbon neutrality aspirations of the council
River improvement works - these are ecological enhancements to the river to encourage further wildlife (funding dependant)
New bench seating - benches will be replaced or repaired with additional new benches possible once the extended perimeter path is constructed
Perimeter path - this would provide improved access around the whole site for most users (funding dependant)
Nuns Walk northern entrance - an informal entrance to the grounds.
Permanent café and toilet building - temporary toilets are now on site and the Council is exploring further coffee van opportunities. Until it is known the outcome of the old leisure centre building further structures should be avoided
Repaint banana bridge - works to repair the bridge are being commissioned. Following this the Council will explore improving the surface and enhancing the visual aspect of the bridge with possible artwork. (Funding dependant)
Improved area by Devils Island bridge with seating and artwork - any opportunity that arises to undertake improvements or install artwork will be explored
New bridge at top of Devils Island - this has been ruled out due to its environmental impact and prohibitive cost
Nuns Road entrance - some minor works have already been undertaken with the removal of railings. Improvements to the access layout to be considered following the construction of the replacement pavilion
Children's paddling area by the river and dipping platforms - the ecological reports concluded that access to the river should be limited. A paddling area would involve constructing access into the river which would require consents from the Environment Agency, Ordinary Watercourse Consent and engineering works to ensure the existing bank remains stable (funding dependant)
Improve access to Winnall Moors - the creation of a perimeter path will allow greater access to the existing bridge to Winnall Moors. Levels and the path/boardwalk within the Moors means the steps off the bridge cannot be changed without reconfiguring much of the path and further bridges
Linear Path
Fitness Area
Biodiversity
Sport and play
Skate
Resurface main linear paths - part of the existing tarmac path network was upgraded in September/October 2024 using UKSPF grant funding with biodiversity enhancements alongside the path
Outdoor fitness and exercise equipment area - the site is for all users therefore to allocate more open space to a specific activity will reduce the space available to all. This element will not be progressed further
Quieter areas for wildlife planting and habitats - any opportunity that arises to undertake improvements or install artwork will be explore
Kickabout goal - this has been provided
Upgraded play space - this has now been completed
Develop skate park hub - once the old leisure centre site plans are known this will be explored further
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Prioritisation
Over the next 10 years, the Park Plan will be delivered using a phased approach. Each improvement area has been prioritised based on feedback from the public consultation, urgency of work required and outcomes of recent survey work. The table below illustrates current plans for phasing the programme of works.
Phase 1 (2021 - 2023)
COMPLETED
Phase 2 (2024 - 2025)
IN PROGRESS
Phase 3 (2026+)
Sport & Play:
Tennis/3G Football Floodlighting installed
New fencing for 3G Football Pitch
Refurbished River Park Play Area
Path network:
Existing tarmac path alongside the Itchen has been upgraded (Funding gained)
Biodiversity:
Create quieter areas for wildlife
Sport & Play:
Kick about goal space
'Banana' Bridge:
Undertake repairs
Improve disabled access for bridge (Funding dependant)
Entrances:
Improve park entrance at Nuns Road
Facilities:
Temporary toilets installed
Perimeter Path:
Design and cost perimeter path (Funding dependant)
Seating/Meeting:
Replace benches as required ensuring improved access and useability
Technical Surveys:
Ecology, trees, drainage, utilities etc. all completed
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River Park Play Area Refurbishment
For more information on River Park play area please click here.
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And Finally...
Click here to see the final version of the Park Plan drawn using feedback from the consultation.
Additional Park Plan information can be found below:
Introductory video (Please be aware that this video may contain flashing images).
The Park Today (pdf, 41.9mb)
Outdoor Rooms (pdf, 20.1mb)
Suite of Ideas (pdf, 20mb)
Sketch impressions (pdf, 115.6mb)
Picture Board (pdf, 167.9mb)
