We are thrilled to announce that the Summerseat Village Collective has won the bid to develop the island in Summerseat! This is a very exciting opportunity for our community, and we look forward to working with residents to create a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone.
A Haven for Nature and Recreation
The new development plans focus on creating a harmonious balance between nature and recreation. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
• Honey House: A dedicated space to learn about the fascinating world of bees and their importance to our ecosystem.
• Educational Oasis: A new container classroom with an outdoor sail shade will be established alongside the existing basketball court, providing a unique venue for educational programs and activities.
• Picnic Perfect: Strategically placed picnic tables and sturdy stone and timber seats around the island and basketball court will provide perfect spots for relaxation and socialising.
Celebrating Our Natural Heritage
The island’s natural beauty takes centre stage in the development plan:
• Woodland Sanctuary: Woodland areas will be carefully surveyed, and management actions will be taken to ensure their health and sustainability.
• Ecological Haven: An ecological and habitat survey, along with a bat survey, will be conducted to inform the planting of new trees, shrubs, and wildflowers throughout the site.
• Bat Box Blitz: The community will come together to create and install new bird and bat boxes around the island. Bat specialists will even be leading walks to identify the resident bat species!
Accessibility for All
The development plan prioritises accessibility for with surfaced paths, ramps, and boardwalks in boggy areas.
Pump Track Paradise: Working with the community and young people, a specialist contractor will design and build a new pump track on the site. This exciting feature will utilise natural materials and incorporate reused materials whenever possible, promoting sustainability and fun. The pump track will be designed to curve around existing trees, preserving the natural aesthetic.
A Flourishing Pond
The existing pond area will be transformed into a vibrant wetland haven:
Revitalised Pond: The pond will be re-excavated and reshaped to create a larger and more ecologically beneficial wetland area.
A Haven for Wildlife:
The revamped pond area will create an attractive habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Boardwalks and dipping platforms will be constructed at the edges, allowing for closer exploration and nature connection.
So, you can see why we’re so excited about this project!
What’s Next?
We are still in the early stages of planning, but we are committed to a transparent and inclusive process. We’ll be sharing information regularly to keep everyone in the loop on the project. We’ll also be working closely with the council and other stakeholders to ensure that the development is sustainable and meets the needs of the community.
We believe that the island has the potential to be a real asset to our community. With your help, we can create a space that everyone can enjoy.
Stay Involved!
We encourage all residents to get involved with SVC.
Attend upcoming community meetings
Subscribe for email updates
Follow us on social media
Share your ideas with us online or at one of our meetings
Summerseat Village Collective 