Plans to redevelop a community pavilion and build a new skatepark at Vine Road Recreation Ground in Barnes have been submitted to Richmond Council.

The application, put forward jointly by Barnes Common Ltd and Richmond Council's Parks Department, would see existing buildings and structures demolished and replaced with a new single-storey community pavilion alongside a range of improvements to the park.

If approved, the development would include flexible community and education space, changing facilities, welfare provision, storage, workspace and a café, as well as a skatepark.

The proposals also include the creation of a new wetland area, reconfigured car parking, upgraded footpaths, improvements to play areas, landscaping, biodiversity enhancements and better accessibility throughout the site.

Vine Road Recreation Ground is currently home to children's play areas, a paddling pool and wildflower meadows, with Barnes Common Ltd working alongside the council to support community engagement and stewardship of the park.

According to the Design and Access Statement prepared by architects Studio Weave, the plans are the result of around five years of consultation with local residents, Richmond Council and other stakeholders.

The statement says the existing buildings are no longer able to meet the needs of park users and would be replaced by a 662 square metre single-storey pavilion designed to minimise its visual impact on the surrounding area.

It adds that the wider scheme would improve biodiversity by creating a new water channel connected to Beverley Brook to form a wetland habitat, while also delivering flood resilience benefits.

Other proposals include relocating and improving early years play facilities, widening paths for pedestrians and cyclists, installing water bottle refill points and planting new climate-resilient trees.

The application has already attracted a number of public comments, with many residents welcoming the investment in the recreation ground.

One resident said: "We live close by and our children love the park but as they've grown it has become clear that the park would really benefit from a wider range of activities, as outlined in the plan.

"We hope to see this approved and are supportive of the organisations behind this proposal as they've been investing in the area for quite some time."

Another resident said the scheme would modernise facilities that had become outdated while making better use of the existing recreation ground rather than building on open space

Several residents have objected to the proposed skatepark, raising concerns over potential noise, while others are unhappy that the existing paddling pool would not be retained.

One objector commented: "Skateboarding is a very noisy sport and will attract a lot of older children who will stay late and make lots of noise.

"I understand that the current pool may be old and needs replacement. But to not replace it will be a disaster."

Another commented: "The pool is an essential facility that significantly contributes to the quality of life for local parents and young children... while I welcome the addition of a skate park, it should not come at the expense of early-years play.

"I strongly urge the committee to retain a paddling pool or water-play feature in the final design."

To read the full planning application click here.

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