About the Masterplan

Introduction

The opportunity has arisen to review the masterplan for Chestnuts Park. The masterplan will give the opportunity for us to shape what Chestnuts Park will look like in the years to come and provide a holistic view of the improvements that need to be made to make the park more accessible and welcoming for all. 

Through a coproduction approach, we will be looking to develop ideas which represent the views of residents and park users from across the local community and outline priorities which will enable us to deliver these. 

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What are the key issues which have been raised so far?

We have been working alongside a stakeholder group for Chestnuts Park to identify areas for improvement within the park. These are due to be summarised through a new mapped architectural design for the park, which will be published alongside the upcoming masterplan consultation on the 23rd June for 6 weeks.

Key improvements which have been highlighted to date include: 

• Drainage issues on a large area of the main field
• Unlevel field space making this unusable for sports and activities
• Large areas of basketball courts which are in disrepair 
• Lack of safe/accessible/open toilet provision
• Sensory play space feels disconnected to the larger play area
• Unused and underutilised spaces within the park (ideas on how these spaces might be used)
• Opportunities to enhance biodiversity and ‘re-green’ some spaces 
• Improvements to park layout which could enhance safety and sight lines
• Highlighted areas of general disrepair including outdoor gym, spaces to the side of the community centre and some areas of planting
• Availability of community facilities
• Link to wider developments, including access routes and entrances into the park

Through the masterplan consultation period we will be running a number of in-person events, alongside workshops with key user groups and a survey online. This will give a number of opportunities for you to feed back to us your thoughts on the proposed improvements and highlight any other areas which you think may have been missed.

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During our initial stakeholder engagement a number of suggested improvements for Chestnuts Park have been made, which are represented in the illustrated maps below. 

These are first draft ideas and we are anticipating that these will evolve as we receive further feedback from the consultation and event responses. 

We look forward to hearing your thoughts, preferences and ideas for the future of Chestnuts Park. You can feed back through our in-person consultation events or through our online consultation below: 

Have your say on Chestnuts Park Masterplan

The area identified as 'B' with the park map has been identified as a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and has been discussion to a number of potential options for improvement. These have included:

1. Replace with extremely dense planting, which would deter people from using this space and be a haven for nesting birds

2. Open the space completely and create a cycle connection 

3. Remove all long grasses and replace with an informal/small play space

The area of the basketball court is noted to be in disrepair and is underutilised as such. The area surrounding this is often used anti-socially. 

The proposal for this area is to regreen this space, dividing the mound to create an informal running route, similar to along La Rose Lane. 

The area is currently shown as a mini forest but we welcome discussion about how a regreened space might look. 

Relocating the basketball next to the existing Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) to provide an upgraded facility, ensuring the retention of 5 hoops. This space could also offer an area for different types of court sports or flexi space. 

The current proposal will only incorporate a low fence and will not have a full cage, reducing visual impact and giving a more welcoming feel for a wider group of users (particularly young girls).

In this map, the pathway will need to be shifted into the field area to accommodate sizes for courts. 

The outdoor gym would be relocated to across the footpath, with discussions on the layout and types of equipment. 

There is also the idea to incorporate a set of Table Tennis tables between the current MUGA and Community Centre.

A number of issues were raised around the east of the community centre which we have looked to address through redesign of the space.

Currently we have included removal of the mound and creation of a straight footpath through to the MUGA. This will improve sight lines and create a safer and easier route to access the sports facilities. 

This also incorporates formal parking for the community centre beside the entrance gate. 

In addition, these proposals include relocating the cycle shelter to the front of the community centre.

Area 'F' is largely focussed on the current sensory play within the playground. The consultation will focus more generally on overall upgrades to the playground but is not proposed to moved from its current location. 

It was identified that the current sensory play is not fit for purpose and is not suitable for additional accessibility needs. 

The proposal sees the sensory play space upgraded and moved to join with the wider playground, by moving to parallel with the zip wire. 

The space currently occupied by the sensory play could create a seating area, similar to that outside of the café, which connects the space between the playground and community centre.

The area in 'G' was identified due to its limited access and unsafe toilet provision. These plans incorporate an upgraded café and toilet space which is within the boundary of the park. 

The proposals also see the current entrance relocated in line with the new St Ann's crossing to connect with the peace garden.

How will this work with the Flood Alleviation Scheme?

We will  be working with a steering group to introduce and finalise plans for a flood alleviation scheme within the park. Although the outline of this scheme will be included within maps of the park, comments for this project will be taken through a separate engagement, running from the 5th June for 4 weeks. 

Have your say on Chestnut Park Flood Alleviation Scheme Here

The outcomes of the flood alleviation scheme will mainly focus on reducing flood risk for surrounding properties by taking away surface water during period of times of peak rainfall, however due to the nature of the basin, there will also be space which can be used for informal play, seating or habitat for wildlife.

In addition to creating this new type of space within the flood alleviation scheme itself, the project will also look to address the issues with the uneven playing surface of the surrounding field through levelling, in order to make fit for impromptu leisure and recreation activities for the community as a whole.

How can I get involved?

We are looking for as much feedback from local residents and park users as possible to inform the overall park masterplan. Through the co-design process, we will be looking to these views to  guide our designs and aspirations for the future of the park. 

We will be holding a number of in-person engagement events within our park, which we hope you can attend to chat through your opinions. 

We are also interested in hearing from you, if you would like to be updated on any future projects or events taking place in the park, including future activities or volunteering opportunities.

If you would be interested in finding out more about what is happening at Chestnuts Park, please email us at ParkProjects@haringey.gov.uk or speak to us at one of our in-person events!