Events in Didsbury Park

Update: The new SureStart Centre in the park

On Monday 22 June local residents met with people from the council, SureStart and the contractors, to discuss the new SureStart centre.

This new building is replacing the Beehive which has now closed.

Plans were examined, and questions were asked and answered. The meeting was generally positive.

The new building is going to be bigger than the Beehive, but only the boundary to the north of the building will be extended (to the right of the Beehive if you look at it from the path). The shrubs will need moving, and one tree will have to be felled, but the other trees and shrubs will remain where they are.

Although putting a green roof or a real beehive on top of the building are not viable, the developers are including several environmentally-friendly features, such as use of recycled water.

The building will conform to Manchester Police’s guidelines for security, but modern developments mean better aesthetics, like tougher windows instead of grills. The roof will have an overhang to make it virtually impossible for people to climb on it (sorry kids!).

Parking was a concern, as there is no provision in the plans for additional parking.

The possibility of using the building for community groups after hours was explored.

There was a discussion about why this site was chosen for the new SureStart Centre and whether there was another location in Didsbury that would be more suitable.

Overall, there was a general feeling of support for the new SureStart Centre, and all local residents, Friends of Didsbury Park, and the representatives from the council and SureStart, are thanked for attending this meeting.

Where next?