The plans were scaled back earlier this year due to costs ‘soaring’
Plans to build a new activity centre at one of the best parks in the UK have taken a major step forward. In 2021, the Nene Park Trust had plans approved to build a new indoor activity centre in the former Lakeside car park in Ferry Meadows, Peterborough.
Ferry Meadows recently retained its status as one of the best parks in the UK, as it was awarded the Green Flag status.
The original plans included an Olympic-standard climbing facility and all-weather indoor activity centre. In May of this year, these plans were scaled back due to rising costs.
The trust proposed a “smaller, less expensive building”. The plans have now taken a major step forward, as the Nene Park Trust has officially submitted its plans to Peterborough City Council.
Matthew Bradbury, chief executive of Nene Park Trust said: “We’re confident that these revised plans for the activity centre at Ferry Meadows offer an exciting development for the park and the city of Peterborough.
“As a charity, our objective is to provide recreation for the public through the park and its facilities, both for Peterborough’s residents and all our visitors and through the activity centre we would be able to offer indoor recreation, in all weathers, all year round.
“Climbing – especially bouldering – is a growing sport across the UK – and as it now features in the Olympics it’s great that we can support aspiring climbers of all ages to fulfil their dreams.”
The trust held a public information event in April, which resulted in a “mixed response” to the new plans. However, the response was largely positive.
Following the consultation, the trust has made some changes to the internal plans. The trust has been working with Butcher Bayley Architects (BBA) on the proposals.
Luke Butcher, co-founder and director of BBA said: “We’re pleased to have supported Nene Park Trust in developing the revised plans for the Lakeside Activity Centre.
“Responding to a changing funding and construction landscape has meant designing a simpler, more efficient building, but the ambition is undimmed: a welcoming, year-round home for climbing, activity and play, sitting comfortably in its lakeside setting.
“As a practice with deep Peterborough roots, we’re proud to be shaping a building that will open up new leisure opportunities for Ferry Meadows and the wider city.”
The first phase of the build will offer an indoor roped climbing wall, as well as bouldering. The plans also propose a small cafe, children’s play area, small gym and accessible changing rooms.
Jeremy Wilson, founder of Lakeland Climbing Community, partners on the internal design and management of the activity centre said: “We are thrilled to be working with Nene Park Trust on this Peterborough project. The location, park setting and architect-designed building are an amazing backdrop for what we hope to create at the heart of the scheme. We have been really impressed by the team and look forward to working closely with them to bring this project to fruition.”
Subject to approval and remaining funding being secured, construction is set to begin in early 2027. The opening date for the first phase of the centre is proposed to be in early 2028.
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