Nene Park Trust is currently in the process of gaining planning permission to install new facilities at Thorpe Meadows. The area of land adjacent to the car park at the entrance has been earmarked for a café, a small play area and toilet facilities.
These plans form part of the Nene Park Masterplan which determines the key strategic projects for Nene Park over the next 50 years. Recent projects have included the new play area, Fox Play, in Ferry Meadows, and the plans for the new Lakeside Activity Centre. The aim is to improve the visitor offer across the whole park, as well as improving impact and sustainability.
Thorpe Meadows has a purpose-built rowing lake, riverside walks and many of the sculptures in Peterborough’s collection. It is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, dog walkers and rowers, with around 370,000 visits a year. In addition, Peterborough City Rowing Club has been based at the rowing lake since 1983. This is an active club, attracting participants of all ages and abilities.
However, despite the popular destination, there are currently no facilities for visitors. Hence the reason for this proposed development.
Nene Park working with an innovative company
Nene Park Trust is working with Iso Spaces. This is an award-winning, innovative company that designs and manufactures bespoke modular buildings made from recycled shipping container units. They have created an attractive low-level café design including indoor seating. Additionally there will be an outside terrace overlooking the play equipment. The toilet facilities will include three standard toilet cubicles and an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities.
With a place to meet friends and pick up a post-workout coffee, or just relax and enjoy the stunning setting of the rowing lake, visitors to Thorpe Meadows will be able to spend more time in this beautiful area.
Andrew MacDermott is Head of Development at Nene Park Trust. He said, “We are excited to be working on the establishment of these new facilities, since they will enable us to provide a proper welcome to visitors in this special part of the park. The rowing lake and Thorpe Meadows are within easy walking and cycling distance for many people locally. We hope the new café, toilets and play area will make this the destination of choice for many local people.”
Subject to receiving planning permission, the appointment of a catering partner and final internal approvals, it is anticipated the new café will open in summer 2022.
IIf you would like to comment on the proposals, please let the Nene Park Trust team know your thoughts. Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/thorpe-meadows
