Community Transformation Planned for Rowntree Park's Former Park Keeper's Lodge

The Friends of Rowntree Park are excited to announce a public consultation on their proposals to convert the vacant former Park Keeper's Lodge into a dynamic community centre at the heart of Rowntree Park.

Members of the community are invited to attend a drop-in exhibition and public meeting on Thursday 28 September 2023 to find out more about the proposals, to ask questions and to share feedback on the plans.

The drop-in exhibition, hosted at Southlands Church on Bishopthorpe Road, will include architect plans for the scheme with models, business plan details, and background information about the Lodge and the Park. It will also include proposals for how the Lodge will function, and how the building will be adapted to make it accessible for all users.

The exhibition will be followed by a public meeting where those leading on the Lodge development will present the proposals, with the opportunity for local residents to ask questions and comment on the plans.

Doors will be open for the exhibition from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, followed by the public meeting from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. All are welcome to attend.

The Friends of Rowntree Park aim to breathe new life into the disused two-storey space above the York Explore Cafe, which has been empty since the departure of the last park keeper in 2017.

The plans include a sympathetic refurbishment of all the rooms which will be available for hire for meetings, events and a variety of classes. The project will also provide the Friends of Rowntree Park with a much-needed indoor office and meeting space, catalysing the expansion of their charitable initiatives and enabling year-round activities.

Cath Mortimer, Chair of the Friends of Rowntree Park, shared her enthusiasm: "This project is a remarkable leap towards the future of Rowntree Park and our entire community. The Friends of Rowntree Park have worked hard to develop these plans for a community space that harmonises with the Park's ethos and its diverse uses. Our resources are limited, making grants and donations pivotal for funding. With planning permission as our next step, we are eager to begin fundraising in earnest to support completion of the renovation and to bring the Lodge back to life for the benefit of the community."

Abigail Gaines, Charity Manager for the Friends of Rowntree Park, added, "Beyond maintaining and enhancing the park's physicality, the Friends of Rowntree Park oversee crucial projects such as mental health programs, engaging children's events, collaborations with local schools, and creative endeavours like 'Art in the Park' and 'Make Space for Girls.' An indoor base within the park would be transformative for our charity, enabling substantial expansion."

Johnny Hayes, Lodge Project Manager for the Friends of Rowntree Park, said: “This is a lovely building with the main level being occupied by the wonderful and flourishing Explore Reading Café. But the two currently-unused upper floors offer a fantastic opportunity for the Community to use and enjoy. Its development is overdue after more than six years of being empty following over 95 years of continuous use by the former Park keepers. Our plans will put this remarkable space back into use by the local residents and the general public who use and love Rowntree Park.

“We are also aware of the risk to the building if left empty. The West Bank Park Lodge was demolished in 2016 following a fire and years of vandalism, and it would be a huge loss to the Park if this building suffered a similar fate.”

The public consultation is scheduled before the submission of the planning permission application so that feedback from the community can be used to shape the final plans. Aspirations are set high, with the aim of opening the versatile community space within Rowntree Park in early 2025.