Reclamation scheme to create green space in Burnley

A £600,000 project is underway to transform Fulledge Recreation Ground in Burnley. The scheme will create an enhanced park, playing field and wetland area and  significantly improve the appearance of the site which is an important gateway into Towneley Park.

Work started on site at the end of June and is expected to take 4 months to complete.  It is one of four projects currently being carried out by Lancashire County Council’s REMADE initiative to reclaim derelict land in Lancashire.

The scheme, funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), was designed in partnership with Burnley Borough Council and follows consultation over the last two years with residents and other stakeholders.  

Over the next few months work will be done on the containment of an area of contaminated land, the excavation of a swale with links to the existing river and wetland area, land drainage improvements, the creation of a kick about area, improved access and footpath links, new bulb, shrub and tree planting, and grassland reinforcement and improvements.  

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, said: 'I am always pleased to see work that brings derelict land back into public use, especially a project that creates both leisure and sporting facilities.

'Green spaces in our urban environment are important for a whole variety of reasons and can really contribute to the quality of life for local people. Disused land can make an area seem run down and a scheme like this one will create a positive atmosphere and add to the continuing regeneration of Burnley.
 
'The REMADE programme is now beginning to bring improvements to more and more derelict sites across the county. This gives people in those areas a better environment and new opportunities for recreation, as well as improving the image of Lancashire as a whole.'

Peter White, Executive Director of Infrastructure and Development at the Northwest Regional Development Agency, (NWDA), said: 'The REMADE programme represents a major investment by the NWDA in derelict land reclamation for public use in Lancashire and demonstrates our commitment to tackling brownfield sites throughout the sub-region.

'I am delighted that work is now under way at Fulledge to create a high-quality new facility for local people to enjoy.  It complements the major regeneration activity currently being carried out in Burnley, including the Elevate Housing Market Renewal programme.'  

Parts of the site will be closed to the public while the improvements are being carried out.

Once complete the site will continue to be managed and maintained by Burnley Borough Council.