The pavilion in Down Lane Park, previously adapted as a community space, is due to be replaced by a new permanent community hub, co-designed by local people. The new hub is expected to open in Spring 2027 and will feature indoor and outdoor areas, a cafe, and garden space for use by the community.
In June 2025, Living Under One Sun (LUOS), who were running community activities and services from the pavilion, decided not to continue their lease. Their decision to vacate the space has left a gap in provision which we are working hard to replace.
We want to see activities resume as soon as possible, and to help make this happen, we will be inviting organisations to apply to run the facility on a short-term lease until summer 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for a community-focused organisation to trial community activities and services in the park, in preparation for the permanent community hub.
The new community hub is part of wider regeneration of Down Lane Park, co-designed with the local community over a two-year period. Over 1,000 survey responses and 900 hours volunteered by the Community Design Group shaped a community vision, which the Council is now making a reality:
- We’ve built a new modern play area that is fun, safe and welcoming for local families
- The park has been made greener and safer. This green space now benefits from 268 new trees, rain gardens to tackle flooding, new seating and outdoor gym equipment
- Over 700 new council homes have been built for local people around the park, with direct access to green space
- In Spring 2026, work will begin to create a new modern play area for under-12s, along with a new entrance from Ashley Road
Cllr Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy, said:
We remain committed to working with residents and have big ambitions for the community hub and the wider park project. The Council has already invested millions in the future of Down Lane Park and we're already seeing the benefits of this significant investment.
We’re proud to have won the Excellence in Collaboration, Engagement and Influence accolade at the Landscape Institute Awards this week, in recognition of the Council’s work to co-design improvements to Down Lane Park with residents and bring their vision to life.
Cllr Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
We know how much local families value our community spaces and it’s why we’re investing £2.52m in this brand-new community hub and the wider park. Hubs like this are at the heart of our communities and we’ll continue to do everything we can to protect them.
