Sloughbottom Park revamp plans defended

City Hall has defended a planned £8m revamp of one of its parks amid fears free facilities will be scrapped.

The government-funded project at Sloughbottom Park will include a refurbished pavilion, a new sports hub and pitch.

It is part of an effort to put it “on par” with others in the city.

However, during a meeting of Norwich City Council’s cabinet this week, concerns were raised about locals in Mile Cross not reaping the benefits of the scheme.

Alex Catt, the leader of the Green group, questioned the Labour leadership about how many of its new facilities would still be free to access.

He said: “I think everyone is happy we are getting a large amount of funding from the government.

“However, many residents have raised concerns with me over the last year that free activities at the park are going to be reduced and replaced by activities that need to be paid for.

“There is a worry among some people that the park will mainly benefit those driving into Mile Cross rather than the residents of the area itself.”

The Sloughbottom Park project is funded by £7.6m from the government and £850,000 from the Greater Norwich Growth Board, a shared pool of income from developers in and around the city.

This will be spent on a new all-weather football pitch, sports hub, refurbished pavilion with a cafe, public toilets and community room, accessible play area and improved BMX track.

Speaking at the meeting this week, Carli Harper, cabinet member for finance and major projects, said: “This is an investment of nearly £10m in one of our most deprived communities and the opposition we have seen is as inexplicable as it is inexcusable.

“There are formal activities at the park, which can be booked and incur a nominal charge, and that will remain the case.

“But there will be no reduction of informal sports activities and the availability of space for casual games. We are not reducing any access to free activities in the park.

“There will be benefits to Mile Cross residents, giving them the park they deserve, and finally putting it on par with all of the other exemplary parks across Norwich.”