The Community Services and Licensing Committee has decided to adopt the Stratford Park Vision and Ambition Development plan 2025-2029.

URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=291

Decision Maker: Community Services and Licensing Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Stratford Park Development Plan 2025-2029 outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance Stratford Park, ensuring it remains vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community space.

Content: The Public Space Officer introduced the report and explained the report set out a framework of actions to be undertaken at Stratford Park over the next four years across six themes. These themes were: ·         Creativity and Climate – to enhance the parks natural habitats through nature recovery and biodiversity projects. ·         Communicating and Connecting – to strengthen engagement with local communities and partners to foster collaboration and inclusivity. ·         Economy and Regeneration – to support the parks economic sustainability whilst attracting new users and investment. ·         Future Generations – empowering young people to actively participate in shaping the parks future. ·         Community Wellbeing – developing a diverse range of activities that promote health, inclusion and community cohesion. ·         Heritage and Place – to preserve and celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the park within the district.   The framework of actions was developed through consultation with partners, stakeholders and SDC. Actions varied from shorter actions such as trialling electric equipment and increasing college presence within the park. The development of a relationship between SDC and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) was underway to allow students to build ownership of the park for future generations. Longer term actions such as a seasonal Lido and café would require further consultation and feasibility studies. Following the consultation, if responses indicated the need from residents for any change, a business case would be developed and presented for Council approval. Water quality improvements to the lake had also begun.   Following Members questions, the following responses were provided: ·         Some actions within the development plan required additional consultation such as a review of the signage within the park to ensure it reflected the needs of the community. ·         The Friends of the Lido had been consulted during the development of the plan. ·         There were no specific incentives to encourage active travel at the current stage, however the outcome from the car park regeneration would provide a better understanding of community need. ·         Rain harvesting was not undertaken however the Lido was filled from an aquifer underneath the park.   Proposed by Councillor Aldam, seconded by Councillor Edmunds.   Councillor Turner asked if Officers were looking to extend the car parking facilities. Officers advised that an action within the plan was to explore the possibility of larger events and included developing relationships with Tesco and SGS on the use of their car parks.   Councillor Edmunds thanked the Officer for his comprehensive report, it contained existing visions and ideas for the regeneration and environment for the area.   Councillor Aldam advised the project represented the best of SDC and was exciting and visionary for how to use the park for public good and the community. Events held at the park offered opportunities to the wider district and for future generations to come.   On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.   RESOLVED a.    To adopt the Stratford Park Vision and Ambition Development plan 2025 – 2029 b.    Delegate authority to the Chair and Vice Chair of Committee and Strategic Director of Communities to explore the ambition of the park using the plan as a framework for future consultation and development.  

Date of Decision: June 19, 2025