Proposals for Wilsons Playing Fields Unveiled
The public are invited to give their views on Wilsons Playing Fields proposals
The public consultation has now opened for people to have their views heard on a replacement building for the existing pavilion at Wilsons Playing Fields, Clayton-le-moors.
The proposals are part of a wider transformation of Hyndburn’s Leisure facilities, delivered by a partnership between Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure. The proposed plans detail artist’s impressions of a building with associated landscaping that will offer a wider range of activities and facilities for people to enjoy.
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Council, said:
“The idea for Wilsons Playing fields has nature at its core, with the vision that it will become a place people will enjoy for the indoor leisure facilities just as much as the outdoor facilities such as the woodland and green fields. I am very pleased with the work of the design team involved who have kept the green nature of the site in mind, complimenting the natural surroundings.”
Large expanses of glazing will bring the outdoors into the building, providing users with a pleasant vista whilst exercising, and bringing natural daylight into the building.
“This is just one part of the improvement of leisure facilities throughout the borough and ensuring this facility is created for the local people to meet their needs is crucial. Some previous feedback has indicated concerns about the size of the building, this has all been taken on board during the ongoing work and I am pleased to see the most recent plans that have come to life. The plans clearly show how the footprint of the site will only be marginally larger than the existing pavilion, yet offer so much more flexibility for visitors. It is fantastic news for Clayton and I look forward to reading people’s ideas and thoughts at the end of the consultation period.”
Planning permission for the works will be submitted in 2023 and people have the opportunity to comment on the plans ahead of this, with public feedback forming part of the application.
Public Consultation:
The online version of the consultation can be found and completed at: https://dppukltd.com/wilson/
There are also two in-person opportunities you are invited to attend for the Clayton-Le-Moors site proposal consultation:
- Monday 5 December 10:30am – 1pm Bank Mill Centre, Great Harwood
- Monday 5 December 4:30pm – 7:30pm Clayton Community Centre, Clayton-le-Moors
Comments must be submitted no later than 14 December 2022
These in-person events offer an opportunity for people to chat directly to the technical teams involved, specifically about the Wilsons Playing Fields proposal. The online form also offers the chance for questions and feedback to be submitted. A flyer with the full consultation information has now been delivered to all residents in Clayton-le-moors to inform them of the consultation being open.
The proposed site is located on land known as Wilsons Playing Fields, which consists of a series of playing fields, a running track, clubhouse building, car parking and woodland trails.
Hyndburn Borough Council has been working closely with Hyndburn Leisure for several years to improve Hyndburn’s Leisure facilities and to ensure that Hyndburn has appropriate and high-quality leisure facilities that will encourage more people to lead active lifestyles.
Lyndsey Sims, CEO of Hyndburn Leisure, said:
“The proposed new centre will enhance leisure provision for the local area. The scheme has been designed to increase opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in a wide range of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure activities. The plans include a 4-lane 25m swimming pool, exercise studio/community room, club room, café and fitness suite.
We have incorporated features such as low carbon technology, accessible parking and cycle parking. We are continually working to ensure we create the best facilities, accessible to the highest number of people, that are also sustainable for the future. This includes considering the environmental impact of plans, longevity and ongoing costs.”
The proposal retains the existing mature tree line along the western boundary which will provide natural screening from Whalley Road. The existing woodland paths will be retained and there will be no net loss of the playing pitches and running track facilities.
Further details regarding the proposed development can be found online at:
https://www.hyndburnleisure.co.uk/the-hyndburn-leisure-transformation/