Have your say on the future of Greenham House gardens

Newbury Town Council have been maintaining Greenham House Gardens for over 20 years. It is a popular place for dog walkers and a perfect area for quiet relaxation. If you’re not sure where it is, it’s by the “Burger King” A339 roundabout in Newbury, next to the Newbury Gardens Day Nursery.

The land is currently owned by West Berkshire Council, but Newbury Town Council are proposing to formalise ownership, at no extra cost to the residents of Newbury. As part of the transfer, the District Council will upgrade the pathways and ensure that the area is handed over in an acceptable condition.

Currently it is an open green space, with floral borders and an unusual planting scheme on its boundary. The area is also home to ‘Fame’, a beautiful statue which historically was first erected in the Market Place together with ‘Victoria and Her Lions’ which now resides in Victoria Park. A number of the trees are subject to Tree Preservation Orders.

Newbury Town Council are looking at plans to enhance the area, which could include planting a wildflower area and installing a small goalmouth area for children. The area is not suitable for play equipment but many years ago it was locally known as ‘bunny park’ as a petting zoo was located on the site. Artwork reflecting this is being considered, including small rabbits carved from wood hidden in the area.

Any new facilities provided by the Town Council would be paid for using Community Infrastructure Levies (building development contributions) and would therefore be no extra burden on the Council Taxpayers in Newbury. The delivery of this project is subject to funding and may therefore have to be phased.

Cllr Martin Colston, Leader of the Council said:

These are exciting plans for Greenham House Gardens which is such a beautiful area and not currently widely used by our residents. We would really like the views of people living close by to the area and other Newbury residents who may or may not currently use the site.

We are inviting local residents to make comment on the provisional plans, which can be found on our website: https://newbury.gov.uk/the-council/public-consultations/

If you have any additional ideas or observations on the proposals please contact the Community Services Manager, David Ingram at [email protected] or write to the Town Hall, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5AA.

The project will be discussed at the next Community Services Committee meeting on 15 March 2021; therefore, any comments will need to be received by 10 March to be included.