Queen’s Park in Caterham, set out in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, is getting a major overhaul with £1.4m being spent on improving current facilities and adding some new ones.
The council has allocated the funding from its Community Infrastructure Levy, which is a charge that planning authorities set on new development in order to raise money to help fund infrastructure, facilities and services. The council collects money from developments across the district and then allocates it to fund specific projects.
Working in partnership with Arkwood Landscape Architects, the main aims of the project are to improve the park’s appearance, expand its community offerings, ensure accessibility for everyone and provide flood protection for nearby residents.
We have endeavoured to reflect community feedback gathered from consultations carried out in 2022 and more recent engagement sessions.
What we plan to do
Among the improvements being made to the 10 hectare park are:
- A new accessible playground designed for children of all ages and abilities.
- A kiosk for refreshments.
- Enhanced and accessible pathways and entrances.
- A study area for learning and exploration.
- Biodiversity initiatives to support local wildlife and enhance the park’s natural environment including tree planting.
- Improved entrances and signs – designed to create a welcoming entrance and help visitors discover what they can do.
- Flood alleviation. These measures aim to protect local residents and areas downstream towards Croydon from flooding.
Minimising disruption
We are aware that all the works need to be carried out thoughtfully to ensure minimal disruption to the park’s natural beauty and functionality. They will be carried out in stages to reduce disruption and we will try to maintain access to the park wherever possible.
The Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan describes the distinctive Edwardian layout and setting of the Queen’s Park neighbourhood, which includes vistas to and from the park. Large Edwardian villas were built to face the new park. Queen’s Park has been a big part of the community for 125 years and hopefully these improvements will guarantee it remains a welcoming, flourishing and accessible space for everyone to enjoy for many more years to come.
If you have any comments/questions, please get in touch at: Cllr.Catherine.Sayer@tandridge.gov.uk.
