This report updates the Trustees on the programme of works to implement the approved Mapledurham Playing Fields Landscape Master plan and the works by the Department for Education to the community carpark.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report providing an update to the Trustees on the programme of works to implement the approved Landscape Master plan and on the works by the Department for Education (DfE) to the Mapledurham Playing Fields community carpark.

The report explained that the sports pitch regrading and drainage works had started in June 2019, and was continuing with the aim to re-provide improved sports pitches by the start of the 2020 football season.  While the works took place Caversham Trent FC were being accommodated between Mapledurham and Christchurch meadows playing fields.  The Council’s parks service had installed the gravel footpaths on the western side of the playing fields and work had started to install the new children’s play area with the aim to open it for use by the October 2019 half term holidays.  Other planned works included tree planting and a boundary fence to the Hewett Avenue side of the playing fields in November/December 2019, and installation of the central avenue footpath and lighting, and trim trail, in April/May 2020.

The report explained that Kier, the DfE contractor, had started work on the MPF car park on 2 September 2019 and were looking to complete the initial phase of car park works in 11 weeks, and then commence the school build.  The finished car park surface of block paviours would be installed following the main works to the school, and Kier were exploring closing the car park for a very short period whilst this work took place.  Details on the timing and duration of the closure would be reported to the Trustees.  The proposed small overflow parking area adjacent to the existing car park was currently being used as a site compound by Kier, carrying out the car park improvement works and building the school.  Once these elements had been completed and Kier had decanted from the site, the overflow parking area could be constructed.

Resolved –

          That the works to implement the landscape plan and DfE works to the MPF community car park be noted.