A multi-million pound plan to revamp a popular park in Stafford has been revealed - with preliminary work set to get underway.

Long-term plans for the town’s Rowley Park Sports Stadium have been drawn up following consultation with local people and park users.

The first phase of work will include a much improved and inclusive play area, new learn to ride facility and gym equipment, along with seating, pathways and woodland planting.

Around £1.2m has already been set aside for the initial phase which has come from money that developers provide to local authorities to deliver benefits to the community, as part of house building or other developments.

Preliminary work to enhance the main entrance, gates, and roadway, is expected to get underway later this month (February) - and this will also help facilitate further development.

Hundreds of people shared their views online, and via face-to-face meetings, about their priorities for the refurbishment of the park. The borough council visited schools to find out what local children want to see - and discussed options with representatives from disability groups to ensure the play park is more inclusive with accessible facilities for young people.

Stafford Borough Council said that toddler play facilities were the main priority from those who gave their feedback following the initial consultation.

Detailed plans for future stages of the scheme will be drawn up when more funding becomes available for the project and could see a wheeled sports area, community sports hub and changing rooms with new public toilets. The scheme would also include new tennis courts, community garden and walking routes as well as picnic places and car park improvements.

Thousands of youngsters, families and sportspeople use the park - which is home to an artificial football pitch, athletics track, tennis courts and bowling green as well as children’s play area.

A replacement artificial pitch will be installed during the summer in the ‘off season’ and there will be improvements to the floodlighting this year.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the council, said it was great to see so many people giving their feedback to help draw up design proposals and an overall masterplan for the park.

“The views of local people, families, youngsters and everyone who uses this popular area are very important in shaping our vision for the park and I’d encourage everyone to stay with us on this journey and take part in the next phase of our engagement.”

She added: “The council has a great track record of providing popular destination parks across the borough and I expect Rowley Park Sports Stadium to be no exception. It is shaping up to be another great facility where families can enjoy spending time, where people want to use for leisure and sporting activities, and one which our residents can be proud of.”

More information about the park and plans can be seen from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/rowley

Press Release No 6265