Community Morning' to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the Gypsey Race Park

East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Esh Construction are hosting a community morning on Saturday, 9 February, from 10am-12noon, to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the new Gypsey Race Park, in Bridlington.

Work on the new linear park started in early 2018 and will see a green corridor along the stream providing pleasant walking and cycling routes, play areas and improved habitats for wildlife.

The project is an important part of Bridlington’s regeneration plans and will provide an attractive edge for the development sites and the improved streets being created through the second phase of the Bridlington Integrated Transport Plan (BridITP2).

The area’s heritage will also be celebrated through the erection of new signs that will tell the stories behind the people who have worked and lived along the Gypsey Race.

The project, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund,is being completed in phases and phase one has included:

• cleaning of the river bed and the improvements to the water course and banks
• creation of a woodland area and areas for wildlife
• a pleasant seating area for people to enjoy the new green space
• a flood retention area with viewing platform to help manage high water flow.

The community morning will see an oak tree planted by the chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Margaret Chadwick and children from the town’s guides and scout groups at 11am.

Councillor Andy Burton, cabinet portfolio holder for economic investment and planning delivery, said: “The new linear park along the banks of the Gypsey Race is an exciting part of the council’s plans for Bridlington’s regeneration and were welcomed overwhelmingly during the public exhibition stage.

“The completion of this first phase of works is an important milestone in this project and the council is looking at options to further enhance the scheme and create a public space that can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors and that the community can be proud of.”

Michael Sherrard, senior project manager for Esh Construction, said: “We are delighted to have been a major part of this exciting project. Our site teams and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the regeneration of the park is not only enjoyed by the public, but to also create a public space which showcases local wildlife and celebrates local heritage.”

A second phase of works is also planned adjacent to Tesco and Palace Car Park. This will see the river, its banks and the surrounding area cleared before being landscaped and planted. The areas of woodland will be managed to improve the natural environment. This is anticipated to be complete by the summer 2020.

Both phases together represent a £5million investment.

For further information about regeneration in Bridlington, visitwww.bridlingtonrenaissance.com

For more details about the project, contact Helen Jackson, renaissance project coordinator, at helen.jackson@eastriding.gov.ukor call (01482) 391707.