Education centre plan for heart of 146 acre eco park in north Plymouth
A “ONE Planet Centre” would be at the heart of the planned Derriford Community Park in Plymouth.
The 146-acre park, linking the three valleys of Bircham, Forder South and Forder West, would create a network of paths and trails, orchards and community gardens in the north of the city.
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One Planet Centre
The city council has drawn up a masterplan for the park and is asking for public feedback about its ideas.
The area that would become the community park is now a mix of farmland, woodlands and streams, with wildlife including bats, dormice, deer and badgers.
At its heart would be the “One Planet Centre”, a focus for environmental learning and sustainable living.
The centre would showcase sustainable building design and construction as well as providing space for classrooms, offices, conferences and exhibitions. A cafe would use produce from the community gardens.
It is hoped that the revenue generated from the centre would help fund the management and maintenance of the park.
The masterplan sets out ideas that would help people to visit the park, enjoy fresh air and active lifestyles and make the most of green space on their doorstep.
Cllr Ted Fry, the city’s Cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “It’s not often that people get the opportunity to help shape the landscape around them. There are some great ideas designed to get people involved in growing food as well as learning about the environment.
“A masterplan looks at issues which are vital to any scheme. It includes transport – such as how we would get people into and out of the park and how they would move around. In this case we very much hope walking and cycling will be the main way people get around.”
Mr Fry added: “The most critical thing is making sure as many people as possible, particularly those who live nearby, are enthusiastic and fully involved.”
The Derriford Community Park Draft Masterplan Consultation starts today Tuesday 7 February and runs until Tuesday, March 20.
Comments from the public will be used to improve the plans before they are finalised. For more information visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/dcp.
Comments can be made online through consultation portals, by email to wildlife@plymouth.gov.uk or people can write to Planning Services, Plymouth City Council, Floor 8, Civic Centre, Plymouth, PL1 2AA.
Drop-in sessions where people can talk to a council officer about the proposals will be at:
Estover Library, Tuesday February 14, 10am-2pm and Monday March 5, 1pm-5pm
Crownhill Library, Wednesday February 15, 9am-1pm and Friday March 9, 9am-5pm.
Central Library, Friday February 17, from 10am-2pm and Tuesday March 6, 1pm-5pm.
7 Comments
by Arfurmo
Thursday, February 09 2012, 4:08PM
“We already have a 'ONE' planet centre Its called the' inner cabinet' Hideway of desperate one planet centre thinkers, mapping out how they can move their little planet as far away as possible from the Trojan Horse of an Incinerator plant. They have considered vacating the civic building? None of them live in what will be the wasteland for the county at North Yard and you will soon need space suits to visit the place or die the death of a thousand toxics emenating from a giant chimney.”
by Winstonsmith0
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 1:28PM
“Blackies wood has bats, dormice, deer and badgers as well as foxes, birds of prey, slow worms and a multitude of other species. But we got the 'burn and poison the planet' icinerator instead of the 'One Planet' showpiece iconic education centre and ecopark.
Would you like to do a swap?”
by Winstonsmith0
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 12:10PM
“The article reads; "At its heart would be the "One Planet Centre", a focus for environmental learning and sustainable living."
. . . and incineration fits into sustainable living how exactly?
Welcome to Plymouth, heart of the Wastecountry”
by LHPlymouth
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 11:09AM
“Would welcome that in West Plymouth!
Funny how there are 3 consultations/drop in sessions for this when Plymouth got ONE by the Environment Agency regarding the permit for the incinerator which affects ALL of Plymouth.
Still, even in this case these times are not suitable for working people
Divided City for sure!!”
by bluntly
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 3:35PM
“Most of this site is already a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
If a fraction of the money spent on the three reports proposing this daft scheme had been spent on improving existing pathways and access, as well as existing allotment facilities in the City, the majority of the aims would have been achieved.
I'm not sure how the construction of a 1km long new major roadway on a viaduct right through the middle of the area quite sits with the rest of the proposals. Perhaps that is why it is hardly mentioned in the report and never appears in any of the mocked up photos. However, it is clear that the viaduct is the most important element of the project.”
by charlee789
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 3:08PM
“Would be much welcomed, we have no places like this in Plymouth.”
by moreland55
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 9:02AM
“looks like a good place for a mountain bike track!”