Christchurch Councillors are set to receive a report at the Community Committee on Wednesday 21 November, on proposals to develop a 15-hectare Country Park on land stretching from Two Riversmeet Golf Course down to Stanpit Recreation Ground.
The focus of the new park would be to reduce the pressure on environmentally protected sites such as Heathlands and Stanpit Marsh, increasing biodiversity and wildlife corridors, and introducing more activities linked to healthy living, volunteering, and appreciation and protection of the environment.
What is a wildlife corridor?
A wildlife corridor is, as its name might suggest, an area of wildlife habitat that connects two or more larger areas of similar habitat, that have been separated by human activities or structures (for example, roads or other developments).
Members will also receive information about how the proposals will be funded, and how further stakeholder and community engagement will be carried out, for the benefit of both the community and the environment.
Cllr Margaret Phipps, Chairman of the Community Committee:
“The proposals are potentially very exciting and it’s not every day that a Council is able to embark on creating a new park. There is huge potential here for a great recreational space for residents, coupled with the opportunity to improve biodiversity and wildlife habitats.”
If approved, the proposals will mean that the golf course adjacent to the leisure centre will be converted to public open space. According to the report, the course currently only breaks even financially, and that, in the UK, golf is experiencing an overall decline in players. Local golfers will still have the option of being able to play at the Play Golf Centre (also owned by the Council).
Members of Two Riversmeet who signed up exclusively for golf have been informed of the possible course closure.
More information about the proposal, as well as the full meeting agenda, can be found here.
What will happen next?
If the Committee supports the proposals, a final decision will need to be made at the Full Council meeting in December. The further aim is for a launch event to happen in March 2019.
What are your thoughts?
If you have any thoughts on the proposed changes, we want to hear from you. Do you play golf at Two Riversmeet? How do you feel about the possible closure?
Leave a comment below or email us: editor@bhliving.co.uk