Athlone Gardens

Athlone Gardens is a popular local park used by families, dog walkers, and nearby workers. Planned changes to surrounding buildings creates an opportunity to expand and improve the park. A co-designed masterplan process was undertaken to help shape the future of Athlone Gardens. Early consultation in 2024 identified key community priorities, including more planting and greenery, improved seating and shelter, better facilities for older children and teenagers, enhancements to the dog exercise area, and the addition of a small park building with toilets, a café, and shelter.

Two designers were shortlisted to produce initial design ideas. Residents from Dalgarno, Golborne, and St Helen’s Wards were invited to review the submissions and select their preferred option. This consultation sought residents’ views on the initial designs, and the chosen designer would progress the final design in collaboration with the community, with construction to begin in 2027.

The engagement exercise opened on 10 November 2025 and closed on 8 January 2026. Two drop-in sessions were held at the Venture Centre during this time to allow residents to ask questions and discuss the proposals in person.

Survey responses: 97 (87 were from the local area of Dalgarno, Golborne and St Helen’s Wards and only these responses were considered).

Who took part: Most respondents were female at 60 percent, and ages 25 to 74 years were well represented. Years 24 and under were not well represented. 50% identified as white ethnic origin and people from a wide range of Black and Asian ethnic origins groups were also represented. 17% reported having a physical or mental health condition that was expected to last 12 months or more.

Preferred design options: 85% of respondents preferred concept design option A; 6% preferred option B and 9% preferred none of the options.

Comments: Comments from those who preferred neither option included that there were too many things being included in the design; there needed to be more green areas; more sport and play facilities; didn’t like the facilities shown for dogs; weren’t happy with the selection process. More general comments included a request for more green spaces in the design (18), better maintenance and upkeep (7), more play equipment (5), concerns about trees (3), the need for inclusivity and accessibility (3) and suggestions for dog facilities (3).

Designer selection: ‘Designer A’ was Levitt Bernstein landscape architects, and with 85% preference votes they have been awarded the contract to co-design Athlone Gardens Masterplan, and oversee its delivery on the ground.

Co-Design process: A series of community workshops are being organised for residents to give further feedback on their preferences, with themes including ‘Trees, Planting and Nature’ and ‘Recreation and Play’. A provisional “Charter” has also been developed, in consultation with the new ‘Friends of Athlone Gardens’, based on all feedback received about Athlone Gardens to date, as follows:

•        “We are committed to co-designing and co-creating a ‘Green Flag’ park that is welcoming, green, shady and inclusive. The park will balance quiet sanctuaries alongside areas for active recreation, serving as a community hub with full accessibility. We are committed to enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience through healthy trees, high-quality lawns, soil and drainage. We will create a clean, robust, well-maintained space that feels safe without discouraging gathering and socialising.”

Keeping residents updated: 76% or respondents asked us to keep them updated by email, and these residents are being regularly informed of the co-design process and upcoming community workshops.