Jenny Lind project delayed
Why local children may have to wait until the summer for new park…
A 300 thousand pound revamp of Jenny Lind Park on Vauxhall Street has stalled. Bad weather slowed the project down, which began in November. New contractors are being sought to complete the project, now that City Care’s contract has come to an end.
Children at Bignold Primary and local residents were involved in drawing up the plans for the Jenny Lind park. The overwhelming aim was to reclaim the park for local people, as a safe open place everyone could enjoy.
Many local people feel it’s a shame the project has taken so long. Petrina McManus, who lives nearby with her son, said: “I’m very disappointed. In the block where I live there are always lots of children who sit in the square and there’s nothing for them to do. I’d like to see some activities organised to make use of the facilities that are there.”
An area which used to have play equipment is now just mud. In time it will be seeded with grass, to become a picnic area. Also included in the plans for the land next to the former N&N hospital, are a sensory garden, an “exploration zone” as well as a new toddler/ junior play area, none of which are there yet. Two new football and basketball pitches have been built for older children and adults to use.
A spokesperson for Norwich City Council said: ”The first phases which include a new multi use games area and landscaping have been completed and these are excellent facilities. Unfortunately, due to the exceptionally bad weather recently experienced, the work on replacing the play equipment has suffered delays and this has taken us up to the end of our contract with CityCare. The play equipment has been bought and we are in the process of engaging a new contractor. As soon as this contractor is in place…[ ]work on the final phases will begin. We are looking forward to having this park complete before the start of the summer holidays”.
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