Cambridge City Council and the Jesus Green Association with support from the Conservators of the River Cam submitted a stage one application to the ‘Parks for People’ programme, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG), at the end of August 2011.
The project included work to regenerate the Rouse Ball Pavilion to create a community facility and café, improvements to the path network, drainage and community and training activities.
We received confirmation from the HLF and BIG on 6 January 2012 that the bid had been unsuccessful, owing to the high demand for requests for funding received through the programme.
A revised stage one submission has now been made to the HLF and we will hear later in the summer (May or June) as to the success of this bid.
Bid process
The bid process follows three stages:
- Stage one application was submitted on 28 February 2012 (decision within three months). This stage requires basic proposals and estimated cost of the overall project, plus any development funding requirements.
- Development stage which can last up to 24 months to allow detailed designs, surveys, reports and consultation to be undertaken, if successful, during 2012-13.
- Submit stage two 28 February or 31 August 2013 (decision within three months). Full and detailed project costs, surveys, plans, planning permissions and secured match funding.
Project summary
We recognise the need to retain the informal and open feel of Jesus Green, while enhancing historical awareness and being able to renew a modern sustainable facility to support use on the green and the growth of the city.
Preserving key features: play, sport, buildings, the riverside and trees are paramount. We see the potential for volunteering, education, training an increased audience bases as a consequence of this project.
Capital works include improved access and principally the recovery of the Rouse Ball Pavilion. This is the only building on any of the city-centre parks that could be adapted to provide a community ‘hub’ to support voluntary activity on neighbouring green space. As a social enterprise it would provide both a base for volunteers such as tree wardens, streets champions, and information for residents and visitors.
Access to the green and sports provision would be enhanced by improved drainage. There are opportunities to deliver arts and heritage initiatives, enhance sustainability and biodiversity, increase community value and to create opportunities for recording and sharing memories.
We intend to improve the management and maintenance of the green, creating a Master Plan to include all key elements such as the river, the pavilion and the lido.
- Estimated project cost at this stage – £1.4 million.
