The Structure Plan for Emerson Valley District Park was developed by the former Milton Keynes Development Corporation in the early 1990's and has been laid out more recently by CNT/English Partnerships in order that Milton Keynes Council could then deliver the community facilities and secure its long term management.
Within the original brief, the elements that were planned included playing fields, tennis courts, a bowling green, car parking for 50 cars, sports pavilion/information centre, public conveniences and leisure routes for the convenience of Emerson Valley residents.
More recently the site has been designated within the Local Plan as a site for recreation and open space and is a key target within the Council's Playing Pitch Strategy, specifically a facility to service the future needs of rugby players of all ages in the Western Flank of Milton Keynes.
A dialogue and partnership has been set up between the County and National Rugby Football Unions as well as the Milton Keynes Rugby Club in order to develop greater rugby participation in the City and to strategically plan, design and develop the proposed new community rugby facility at Emerson Valley between Wenning Lane and Bowland Drive. It is anticipated that the Rugby Club will then take on the management of the facility once it has been completed.
Major funding has now been secured and over the coming months, both the Council and the Club will be working with local residents and local councillors including the parish council to develop a design and plan that would lead to a planning application possibly in the Spring of 2006.
The facility mix will need to be subject to discussions between all interested parties including the current custodians of the land, English Partnerships, in order to ensure that the facility becomes a vibrant, vital and supported part of the leisure offer to the people of Emerson Valley and the Western Flank of Milton Keynes.
It is planned that there will be extensive opportunities for junior and adult rugby activities including women and girls rugby, coach and volunteer development along with the wider leisure use of the facility by the residents of Emerson Valley.
Part of the consultation process will involve seeking the views of residents on the following:
- Configuration and general layout of the site and sports pitches
- The site and orientation of the pavilion
- Positioning of an access road to the facility
- Car park location
- Building design, suitable to young people, women and those with disabilities.
- Floodlighting to facilitate winter training
A local exhibition of sketch plans is planned for early in the New Year, the details of which will be promoted on the MK Web and via the local press, local members and the parish council.
At Leisure Home Page
