Plans to regenerate one of the City’s biggest parks are to go on show at a public consultation event this week. The Forest Recreation Ground is one of the most historical parks in Nottingham yet needs huge investment in order to reach its potential.

Download the proposed plans for the forest (PDF)

Download the questionaire and send us your views on the proposals  (PDF)

The event is the culmination of over four years’ hard work by local people working with the City Council, the Partnership Council and other agencies (including the Neighbourhood Development Company and Friends of the Forest) to draw up imaginative plans to restore the park to its former glory. The project is also backed by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), the Government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space.

A preliminary grant awarded in November last year is being spent to draw up a bid for thousands of pounds of National Lottery cash. Plans include restoring the lodge and the pavilion, improving access to sporting facilities and giving the whole area a much needed makeover.

Nottingham residents are being urged to give their views on how the money should be spent at a public event taking place on Saturday 26 April at Djanogly City Academy, Hyson Green, 10am to 1pm. Food and refreshments will be provided.

City Council staff and partners will be available during the event to talk about the plans in more detail and answer questions. Feedback from the event will be used to shape the bid which will be submitted in summer.

Councillor Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Councillor responsible for Parks and Open Spaces said: "We have a fantastic opportunity to transform the Forest Recreation Ground. If we’re successful, our plans have the potential to make such a positive impact in the community and give local people a park they can truly be proud of, whilst ensuring it continues to fulfil a very important City and regional role. The more local people who turn up to show their support, the greater the likelihood of the scheme being  successful."

Andrew Harland, Landscape Architect and partner of LDA Design said: "Several events have already taken place and from these we have gained an understanding of what improvements are needed. This event is a crucial opportunity for local people to react to ideas but particularly to endorse the overall plan to dramatically re-invigorate the park. We’re very excited about the park’s future and hope to see as many people as possible."

Ruth Greenberg, Chief Officer, Partnership Council agrees: "We work very closely with local residents and volunteers and there’s a real strength of feeling about the Forest in the area. There is a real prospect that the hard work of local people could be rewarded with a lottery grant. This event is a fantastic opportunity for local people to have their say and help shape the future of a site that means a great deal to them."

To help engage local people on an ongoing basis, a web page and blog have also been set up by the Partnership Council to keep the public up to date about the future of the Forest, together with details of forthcoming events and news. The blog will also give local people the chance to post their comments – giving everyone a straightforward way to voice their opinions.

To visit the Forest’s web page go to:
http://www.partnershipcouncil.co.uk/index.php?/
projects/forest_project/

To visit the Forest blog go to:

http://aforestforall.wordpress.com/

Residents can also give their views on the Forest Recreation Ground plans by contacting the Partnership Council on 970 8200 or Eddie Curry, Head of Parks and Open Spaces Nottingham City Council on 915 2733.