A public consultation asking residents for their views on proposals to bring sporting improvements to Jubilee Park in Huyton has now closed. Here’s the latest update:
What’s the latest on the consultation?
In November 2022 the Council began a public consultation asking the local community for views on proposals to improve sporting facilities at Jubilee Park in Huyton.
The consultation took place online with a number of drop-in sessions taking place in January and February 2023.
The consultation is now closed.
All views shared will be used by the Council to shape plans for the park in the coming months.
What are the current proposals?
The proposals include:
- A new ‘9 vs 9’ size artificial grass pitch (with flood lighting and fencing)
- A new car parking area with two electric vehicle charging points and bicycle storage
- Improvements to the grass pitches
- Landscaping and tree planting
- Refurbishment of the existing pavilion building to include a new kitchen, a social space and storage space.
They were developed by the Council in consultation with Huyton Juniors F.C, the Football Foundation, Liverpool County Football Association and other partners following a consultation about the park in 2020 where more than 77% of people who responded specifically asked for improved sporting facilities on site.
Huyton Juniors FC Committee commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled with the plans for improvements at Jubilee Park. The proposals greatly improve the facilities that we have access to and I know that the hundreds of children we work with, and their families, will really welcome the changes if they do go ahead.
“Having good quality local sporting facilities for our children and young people is so important and helps to encourage a really healthy relationship with sport and wellbeing. We welcome working with other community groups from all backgrounds to make use of this fantastic facility”
The proposals are part of a Sporting Improvement Plan for Jubilee Park which focusses on improving children and young people’s access to good quality local sporting facilities – something that was highlighted by residents in the Knowsley Offer consultation that took place in Summer 2022.
How much is this work likely to cost and how is it being funded?
The proposals outlined would require an investment of approximately £900,000. The Council has secured funding for this through a Football Foundation Grant and Section 106 contributions from housing developers.
The funding secured via both sources must be used for sporting improvements.
What will the proposals mean for the rest of the park?
Jubilee Park is already a Green Flag park and retains its Fields in Trust status. It is well-used and much loved by members of the community.
The proposals being consulted on will further enhance the overall offer at the park – It will bring additional sporting provision (as specifically requested by the community in a previous consultation) and provide additional car parking for visitors.
The proposals currently being considered will only impact the western corner of the park (see plan). Access to the rest of the park and its numerous facilities including toddler and children’s play areas will not be affected.
Have there been other improvements at the park?
Jubilee Park has benefited from a range of improvements in recent years following the development of the community masterplan. They have included:-
- A new toddler play space and the replacement of a number of junior play pieces;
- A new entrance on Dinas Lane;
- Improvements to grass pitches to reduce water logging; and
- Tree planting.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities & Neighbourhoods said:
“Jubilee Park is a really great local park – it’s much loved by the local community and really well-used by residents. The Council is committed to maintaining and enhancing the park for the benefit of all residents and improving and expanding the facilities on offer there will ensure more people get to enjoy the park and all it has to offer as a shared community asset.”
What will happen next?
The findings from the consultation will be used to by the Council to inform its future plans for the park. Further updates will be provided in due course.
All park activities and events will continue – please check the park noticeboard for more information.