At last... opening day arrives for Archway's ecology park (or does it?)
New delay as design changes turn project into a three-year saga
Published: 8 October, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
PLANS to open Archway’s new ecology park today (Friday) were described by officials as “wildly optimistic” this week.
The half-acre feature at Whittington Park – comprising a dipping pond and skateboard ramp – has been under construction for almost three years following changes in design. Yesterday (Thursday) it still looked like a building site.
With the ecology park weeks or even months from completion – despite a sign in the park saying it is due to open today – Islington Council is threatening to fine the contractors over delays to the project.
This week, utility firm staff were working at new changing rooms nearby after an apparent gas leak. The changing rooms – described by one resident as looking like a detention centre – should have opened six months ago.
The delay has been blamed on a “computer glitch” which, according to the council’s leisure project manager David Walton, is preventing facilities like heat, water and lighting from “talking to each other”.
Park user Clive Attenborough, 60, said that for him the saddest aspect of the new developments has been the loss of a small wooded glade to make space for the changing rooms.
“I asked why they could not have saved the trees and rebuilt or refurbished the current changing room opposite the artifical turf,” Mr Attenborough said. “I was told there would not be enough space at the current changing rooms for an additional childminders’ group that is going to be provided.
“I always thought that a park was where nature would be protected. I used to walk in that little glade. It was heartbreaking to see so many trees removed.”
Mr Attenborough says not enough local people were consulted about the changes to the park, although the council maintains the projects all had the blessing of pressure group Friends of Whittington Park.
A member of the park staff said that, despite the delays, the two projects would be worth the long wait. “I’ve seen inside the new changing rooms and they are really brilliant,” he added. “There’s a lot more room and comfort for players.
“And the ecology park will provide a wonderful place for kids to go pond-dipping and for older children to use skate boards. It will be a big bonus for the park.”