SBC Open Space Audit. Central Ward - Open space being eroded.

This audit was only adopted four years ago, and yet between then and now, Central Ward has lost five hectares of outdoor sports facilities. It went from 13.82ha to 8.83ha.

How did this happen? Well originally SBC included the GWR sports ground in Shrivenham Road, which will allegedly one day become another bland housing estate.

With no chance of replacing any of this lost open space within the Central Area, it is important to protect what is left, and what is important to the Broadgreen Area is of course The County Ground.

This is why creating a Community Plan is so very important. It is up to the residents of Broadgreen to become involved and define the issues that are important to this community.

One of the issues will surely be retaining all the green open spaces at the County Ground. Even though people may say the cricket field and athletics track are not open space because they are fenced and do not allow public access, the fact is when you are over there you have the perception of open space, something most people appreciate especially when living in an area like Broadgreen, where there is high density terraced housing and little greenery.
To pinch an 'official' description, the County Ground is a visual amenity for many people and needs to remain so.


Top. Existing recreational areas in 2004. With the GWR sports ground artistically outlined!

Bottom. The more up to date version (2006)