A FORGOTTEN corner of the city is set for a £885,000 revamp into a haven of tranquillity and innovation.

University students have helped shape the future of Castlemeads at Alney Island into an ecological park with footpaths running through the wetlands.

It is hoped the 'Castlemeads Masterplan' will rejuvenate the area, which is on the opposite bank of the river from Gloucester Prison, and floods several times a year.

Ten postgraduate landscape architecture students from The University of Gloucestershire were asked to put forward ideas – which have gone into the current plan.

The final proposals are now out for public consultation and include a £300,000 state-of-the-art bridge over the river, an area to rent bicycles, boardwalks over marshland, artwork, wetland enhancement and new plants.

Challenge

Student Kirsty Barker, 21, who was involved in the project, said she hoped the new space would invigorate the city.

She said: "It was a challenge but a great project to be involved in.

"We had many problems to overcome in our designs because of the flooding but it was a good experience to explore all the possibilities.

"Gloucester needs somewhere to call its own and I hope this space will bring people together more and maybe change people's perception of the city."

The centrepiece to the upgrade would be new landscaping which "embraces" flooding and an area for people to gather for picnics, music and drama and exhibitions.

The scheme, organised by Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company (GHURC), will be funded by Gloucestershire Environmental Trust.

And Gloucester City Centre Community Partnership (GCCCP) and the Friends of Alney Island are also involved in the ecological park plans. Barry Leach, of the GCCCP, said: "The draft master plan is now available for the wider public to comment on. This is a plan designed to enhance existing habitats producing an exciting landscape for the enjoyment of all.

"There is a significant distance to go but this first draft shows what is possible."

If it goes ahead, it is expected the work will take place in two phases with the riverside walkway, wetlands and river terraces built, followed by boardwalks, car park improvements, interpretation boards and lighting.

Anyone interested in voicing an opinion on the plans should contact Friends of Alney Island on info@gloscccp.co.uk or write to FAI, GLOSCCCP, PO Box 3155, Gloucester, GL1 9AA.

Alternatively contact Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company on officemanager@gloucesterurc.co.uk or call 01452 782 993.

The GHURC has draft copies of the masterplan available.