Following a drop-in day at the end of September for people to air their ideas on the future of Buile Hill Mansion and Park*, developer Capital and Centric, which hosted the event, has put out a statement to 'bust a few myths' as well as revealing the public's ideas for the Grade II listed building and grounds.
"Plenty of great ideas were put forward for how to bring the park back to life, including new adventure play areas, community gardens and a farmers' market" states Capital and Centric "People talked about the need to improve security at the park, with improved lighting, and better maintenance of green spaces. There was lots of support for more public events with ideas ranging from live music events, to an outdoor theatre, to sporting events and summer fairs.
"When it came to the mansion, locals were keen that it's open for the public to enjoy and use, coming up with ideas such as health and wellbeing classes, artisan workshops and youth training" it adds "Many people felt the park needed better facilities, so called for a café-bar or restaurant in the mansion. Some thought it could be used as a conference centre, wedding venue or art gallery. Others were keen to see the abandoned Victorian greenhouse, that sits in the boarded off old depot area in the park, brought back to use."
Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital and Centric explains that, while developments in the park to fund the restoration have been ruled out, resident and interest groups need to "collaborate and think creatively about how it's funded"...
"We hosted the community conversation to help that process and compliment the Council's online survey" he explains "People are very passionate about Buile Hill and they had some really great ideas. We're passing all the feedback onto the various resident groups and to Salford Council.
"What happens next, and where will the money come from?" he asks "Well, one of the ideas put forward at previous public consultations is that Capital and Centric develops land elsewhere in Salford and the proceeds that creates could be redirected to fund the mansion. We're up for that but ultimately it's up to the residents, interest groups and the Council. We're happy to carry on providing our expertise and advice. The important thing is that everyone keeps talking so that we make sure something happens."
Added to Tim Heatley's statement is a section to "bust a few myths about Capital and Centric's involvement in Buile Hill Park..."
* "We aren't in cahoots with any particular interest group, instead we are engaging with all residents and all groups. We believe that collaboration and cooperation is essential for the future of the mansion..."
* "We don't have any special status with regard to Buile Hill, we are just another interested party from Salford with a particular expertise in the restoration of historic and listed buildings..."
* "We aren't a builder, we are a social impact developer that invests £2m a week in projects to create thriving communities, we appoint specialist builders to implement our ideas..."
* "We don't want to own any part of Buile Hill and we would like to see it remain in the ownership of Salford Council and open to the public to provide amenities that complement the park..."
Meanwhile, the Mansion remains derelict...
* For a background see previous Salford Star article: Salford Drop-in Sessions on Future of Buile Hill Mansion and Park – click here
Main image by Louise Garman
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