GREEN SPACES
Waverley already has over 300 acres of established green spaces set around 2 large lakes.
an active community
Following the completion of a detailed long-term restoration programme, Harworth's green spaces are now extensively used for running, walking, bird-watching, dog-walking and a host of other activities by residents and people who work here.
The COVID-19 pandemic served to highlight the need for active, connected communities with easy access to green spaces, clean air and nature. We are keen to further exploit this land for public good, including the following interventions:
- We are working closely with Sheffield Hallam University to create an 'Active Towns' programme - using social research techniques and a detailed understanding of our land to better exploit the site for the benefit of local residents' health. We have tested a number of interventions in recent years, including outdoor climbing spaces and 'gamifying' local running and cycling routes to encourage participation and will be increasing these interventions across the site.
- A new community garden and public space in front of Waverley's new school has been jointly developed and built with Waverley's local residents. Now managed by a small number of residents, it comprises a series of raised planters set within an edible hedge boundary with seating areas to promote community gardening and social interaction.
- Waverley's two man-made lakes - which act as the site's principal points of surface attenuation - are a fantastic haven for wildlife. We have spent several years restoring land next to these lakes to encourage a wide range of species in line with our biodiversity action plan. Hundreds of bird species are now on-site, including Water Rail and Great Crested Grebes.
Highwall Park
Thank you to residents who attended our consultation event in March 2024 and shared their views on our detailed plans for Highwall Park.
This brand new green space will run through Waverley and connect the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and Olive Lane with the Waverley Lakes. It will provide 20 acres of parkland for the community to meet, exercise, and spend time outdoors.
It was great to have over 50 people attend our event and to hear your views on what you would like to see in the park – from play spaces to habitat creation.
We also met with school pupils from Waverley Junior Academy to get their ideas on what the park could look like and the spaces they’d like to use.
We took this feedback on board as we finalised our plans. We have now submitted our planning application for phase 1, which is the area located next to the existing bike track. Subject to grant of planning, we hope to complete phase 1 by the end of summer 2024 with phases 2 and 3 to follow during 2025.
Outline planning permission for Highwall Park and the supporting infrastructure including drainage has already been granted by the council and works have commenced to form the levels and drainage needed for the park.
