New pool, pavilion and hub plans under consideration

A SHORTLIST of redevelopment projects to improve green spaces and infrastructure in Benson has been agreed upon by the parish council.

The council has shortlisted three projects to focus on over the next 18 months.

Rivermead recreation ground, Sunnyside sports pavilion and the grassed play area in Green Close could all be redeveloped subject to securing planning permission and funding.

The projects were drawn from suggestions made in response to the council’s 2022 village survey, which asked the community to suggest areas to improve.

The council hopes to install a new paddling pool or water feature at Rivermead to replace the one which deteriorated beyond repair and had to be closed in May 2023. A pontoon,
seating, paths and planting could also feature in the redesign.

Bill Pattison, who chairs the parish council, said the Rivermead project is “the most far forward” of the three with some plans for it already agreed upon.

In a bid to address a lack of amenities for young people in the town, the council hopes to build a new youth hub at the sports pavilion in Sunnyside, where clubs and activities could be held.

In May 2024, the youth hall in Oxford Road had to be decommissioned due to a general deterioration in its condition and the cost of repairs.

Work to secure grant funding for the new youth hub is already underway and the council hopes to start work on rebuilding the pavilion in 2026.

Cllr Pattison stressed that this project is still in its “very early stages”, with councillors working to get their thoughts together before engaging a design company.

The third area of focus will be the grassed play area in Green Close, for which the council is planning to hold a public consultation to collect views on how the area could be used.

But Cllr Pattison said the Green Close project is “very much on the back burner” while councillors consider ideas and costs and consult with the public.

He said: “We’ve had various ideas about what it could be. Some want it to be a green space. Others want goalposts. Others don’t want goalposts because they don’t want balls kicked into their gardens. Others want play equipment. So we want to go out to the public.”

It is expected that some funding for the projects will come from developer contributions with the rest coming from grant funding.

More imminently, the council is planning to clear the former plant nursery that was situated between the Benson brook and St Helen’s Avenue allotments, known as the Cuckoo Pen.

The work is subject to the council securing grant funding to cover the cost of the landscapers, which will come to £35,000 plus VAT. Once the area is cleared, the council plans to install benches and picnic tables.

Low fencing and a disability ramp are also planned for the war memorial in Castle Square.