The Kingsway site is now being prepared for the first phase of construction which involves the demolition of the old bowls pavilion to make way for a new outdoor sports hub.
The old pavilion provided changing rooms for the Bowls Club but was not able to accommodate new facilities.
Hoarding has been erected to protect the bowls lawn and keep the site safe while the demolition work takes place.
New sports hub
The sports hub will feature a new two-storey pavilion with bowls clubhouse on the ground floor overlooking a championship green at the front of the building. There will also be new public toilets and changing rooms. The first floor will have a public café with outdoor terrace overlooking the green below and with sea views to the south.
This marks the second stage of work to create a new linear park with improved green spaces and outdoor sports facilities including tennis and padel tennis courts, a sand sports areas, bowls and croquet, skatepark, pump track and roller area.
Accessible routes and gardens
A new fully accessible route will run through the length of the park linking up all spaces, without the need for users to go onto either Kingsway or the Esplanade. More than 600 new trees will be planted to offer more long-term foraging, cover and nesting habitat for birds. In addition to this, new grassland and gardens will create a renewed, species-rich green space with a more varied landscape.
Last month, the removal of some hedges made way for the new building and accessible routes throughout the park. This work was completed with involvement from our biodiversity officer and wildlife groups, before the bird nesting season began. Bird boxes and a dead-hedge have been installed to provide alternative nesting and roosting space until new habitat is in place.
Something for everyone to enjoy
Councillor Osborne, Co-chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee said: “It’s great to see plans for Kingsway taking shape. The new park will make such a difference to the area and create a new destination for the city.
“Residents and community groups have been a big part of making this happen and ensuring there will be a great mix of facilities and spaces for all ages to enjoy.”
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