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Masterplan of Little Lindow Redevelopment

Little Lindow Redevelopment

At the end of 2021, Wilmslow Town Council and Cheshire East Council agreed to co-fund a joint project to redevelop Little Lindow.

This park, flanked by the police and fire stations, is seen as an important gateway to Wilmslow as it sits on one of the main roads into the town centre, Altrincham Road.

The image to the left shows the Landscape Masterplan. It is anticipated that the work will be completed by the Autumn of 2021.

Arial Photograph Of Little Lindow

Plans for Little Lindow

The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan lists Little Lindow as a designated local green space due to its ‘special character, significance and community value’.

Plans for Little Lindow include:

  • Moving the play area from the rear of the site to the front corner,
  • Improving the play area by adding wooden ‘Adventure play’ equipment and a new path,
  • Replacing, relocating and increasing the seating,
  • Improving the current path across the site,
  • Adding plants, bushes and trees,
  • Pruning existing trees to allow more light into the area,
  • Adding nesting boxes for birds and bats.

Costs and Funding

The total cost of the project will be £157,829. Cheshire East Council will fund £70,000 of the overall amount through S106 developer contributions, whilst Wilmslow Town Council will contribute £90,000, which includes a small contingency.

£47,000 of Wilmslow Town Council’s contribution will come from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money already received from developers that must be spent in the West Ward of Wilmslow, and on infrastructure needed to support the development of their area.

Ansa Environmental Services (a Cheshire East Council company) will organise and oversee the work, with full and ongoing consultation with Wilmslow Town Council.

Wilmslow Town Council Chairman, Martin Watkins, said of the project, “Little Lindow is an area in the heart of our town with huge potential. We are proud to partner with Cheshire East Council on such a significant project, which will restore the importance of the site and make Little Lindow a place that can be enjoyed by residents, town centre staff, visitors and wildlife alike.”

Councillor Mick Warren, Chair of Cheshire East Council’s Environment and Communities Committee, said, “It is fantastic news that work will soon be beginning at Little Lindow and the project will see a number of improvements and additions being made.

Through this collaboration with Wilmslow Town Council, we can give the town’s residents and visitors a fantastic community facility to enjoy.”

Mark Goldsmith, Ward Councillor for Cheshire East and Wilmslow Town Council said, “I am delighted Wilmslow Town Council has agreed to help fund these plans. When I was elected, I wanted to transform this unloved and under-used park into something the whole community could enjoy. Getting both councils to collaborate on this project means all these improvements can be implemented in one go. It means Wilmslow can enjoy all the benefits of this project far sooner than if either of the councils acted alone.”

FAQs

Why are you relocating the Play Area?
In its current setting, the play area promotes anti-social behaviour due to the poor visibility, and the slippy surface from Tree Moss also creates an inaccessible site. Moving the play area to the centre of the open space will encourage “more eyes” on the play equipment.

Will residents be involved in choosing the play equipment? What is the target age group for equipment?
Yes. Indicative designs will be shown to residents offering the chance to comment & input on the final designs for the play area. The Play Equipment will cater to Toddler & Juniors, with an informal kick about area for all ages.

Will the new Path be Cycle Friendly?
The Path will be 1.5m wide made with an all-weather, recycled footpath material, this will be suitable for foot traffic & cycles.

The Roads need to be safer for families to commute to the open space, how will you address this?
Road Safety is a concern which we will discuss with Cheshire East Highways, this is not within the scope of the improvements at Little Lindow

Why are you removing & Pruning the trees? Will any new Trees be planted?
The existing trees are too dense for the open space, this has led to poor natural lighting & low visibility in the play area. By pruning the trees, we will create a more welcoming open space with natural lighting. The Trees along the main road will be crown lifted to allow further visibility. For any tree removed, we promise to plant 3 more in the Wilmslow area.

Will any Lighting be installed on the open space?
This is not within the scope of the improvements at Little Lindow. We are hoping the tree work will greatly improve the natural lighting on site.

Will the Play Area be Fenced in?
The Play Area will be completely fenced with two access gates, ensuring parents can supervise their children within a controlled space.

Where will visitors park their cars?
We cannot include provision for any car parking at Little Lindow, it is hoped the improvements will encourage visitors to walk or cycle to the park.

Answers provided by Ansa Environmental Services. If you have a query that hasn’t been answered above, please contact us.