A DEAL has been signed to hand over half of a Downend park to the parish council.
The Friends of Hill House Park say the deal represents a major step forward for plans to create a “pocket nature reserve” there, with negotiations to transfer the other half of the site under way.
Plans to enhance the park next to Hill House Road, which was once a playing field for Page School for Girls and then Downend School, were first set out last year.
The volunteer friends group was launched to help preserve and enhance the open space and drive forward plans for new hedgerows and trees, a wildlife pond and accessible paths.
Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council has signed a ‘tenancy at will’ agreement to take on half of the site, with a view to securing a 25 or 50-year lease.
Parish clerk Kevin Spratt said the initiative is part of the council’s local climate and nature action plan.
Friends chair and South Gloucestershire Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillor Katie Cooper said the deal was an “exciting development”, adding: “This landmark agreement with South Gloucestershire Council paves the way for immediate action.”
The first step is to start tree planting, with the first session due on February 25.
Cllr Cooper said: “Negotiations are ongoing for the remaining half of Hill House Park, with particular focus on including the historic beech trees and entrance area within the lease agreement. This phased approach allows work to begin promptly while ensuring all aspects of the park’s future are carefully considered.”
Cllr Cooper said the park would offering something “distinctly different” from the more formal Page Park and the area’s playing fields, focusing on wildlife and biodiversity and “giving residents the opportunity to connect with nature right on their doorstep”.
The Friends recently welcomed MP Damien Egan, whose Bristol North East constituency includes the park, to discuss their vision for the space.
Mr Egan said: “The plans from the Hill House Friends group are really exciting. I like the focus on creating a quiet space that is based around supporting nature and wildlife, including new trees, wild flower meadows, a pond and bird houses. Living close by, I look forward to seeing the changes develop and using the park myself.”
A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “We have granted the parish council a short-term lease of part of the park while discussions continue about expanding on the agreement that is now in place.
“The future of Hill House Park looks bright and we’re optimistic these changes have the potential to deliver long term improvements for the benefit of everyone.”
The Friends’ next meeting public is on March 13 at 7pm, in the hall behind Aspirations Support at the corner of South View and Hill House Road.