New park to improve wellbeing and friendship in Market Harborough

At the first meeting of the Market Harborough Special Expenses Advisory Panel, on Tuesday 23 July 2024, members recommended the approval of a new park to Cabinet at Harborough District Council.

Construction of the park will be on council-owned land in Northampton Road, Market Harborough, which was previously subject to litter, overgrown vegetation and antisocial behaviour.

The site has been cleared, and indicative designs for the park have been put together with input from the community, including new tree and shrub planting, gravel walkways, benches, and natural landscaping.

It is proposed to call the park ‘The Friendship Park’ and there will be signage erected which encourages people to speak if someone is sat on a bench on their own.

Friendship parks are community spaces designed for people to gather safely, surrounded by nature, and aim to foster connections between those who use them.

Cllr Darren Woodiwiss, newly elected Chair of the Market Harborough Special Expenses Advisory Panel, said: “I am delighted to be chair of this new panel and it is great to get started on this chapter for Market Harborough. I am pleased we have already received the draft designs for a neglected parcel of land and subject to Cabinet agreement we will soon have a new community space designed with residents for residents.”

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I was delighted to receive such positive feedback from the public who attended the meeting to hear how we intend for local ward members to be involved, champion and recommend decisions for the improvements to community open space and facilities in Market Harborough. This has never been in place before and will be a forum for discussion, debate and taking ideas forward.”