Norwich park’s �190,000 revamp set to start
One of Norwich's most popular parks is set for a �190,000 revamp, but families have been warned the children's play area will be shut to allow it to happen.
Work has already started to repair the centrepiece bandstand in Chapelfield Gardens, but next month more extensive changes to the historic park will get underway.
Norwich City Council last year asked people what sort of changes they would like to see in the park. Many said there needed to be more for older children and teenagers to do.
Currently there is a toddler and juniors' play area with games of petanque and giant chess, but the revamp will see a new activity area for older children and teens between Pedro's and the kiosk.
A spokeswoman for the city council said: 'Here we will install equipment which combines climbing and sitting activities as a place for older children and teens to meet, relax and chat with friends.
'This will be unfenced and have a sculptural, light and airy feel to it so it will not impose on the landscape.'
The revamp, which is being funded through money available from developer contributions, will also see the existing play area made bigger. with new equipment including a nest swing, a climbing module and train.
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There are also plans to provide more seating and a boardwalk to improve access to the park.
The council says the play area will be closed in November and December to allow work to take place.
And, in the meantime, an �18,000 project to repair the bandstand in the park is underway. Some of the wooden railings have already been removed because the wood was rotting.
Work on the bandstand is expected to take about six weeks and will include improving drainage, new lighting and other timber repairs.
Since it first opened to the public in 1880, Chapelfield Gardens has become a popular meeting place for thousands of people across Norwich and beyond.
The gardens are also a popular venue, particularly in the summer, when there are events including bandstand concerts, and regular funfairs.
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