Costessey Grove Avenue Play Park consultation talks tabled

The Grove Avenue Play Park in Costessey could reopen if talks between South Norfolk and Broadland Council and Saffron are successful in gaining funding for the site.

The park shut in May last year after falling into disrepair.

Owners of the site, Saffron Housing, briefly looked at repairing the park’s equipment but deemed it not cost effective and decided to remove the pieces.

Costessey councillor, Gary Blundell, is pleased the site could get funding.

He said: "It's in the early stages but a consultation will be taking place organised by South Norfolk and Broadland Council.

"This will be in person to ask people what they would like and will be taken away with an idea plan and costing worked out. 

Costessey councillor Gary Blundell said he was extremely pleased things are in motion to bring back the park (Image: Newsquest)

"The council will then work with the housing association to get a budget in place and to seek funding from other areas in order to get equipment put back in and the park reopened.

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"Me and my wife Sharon refused to give up in the park after the housing authority initially said it had no budget to work with for the site. 

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"So we're extremely pleased things are in motion to bring back this small, but essential, play area for the children of Costessey."

A spokesman for South Norfolk and Broadland Council added: "We will be working with Saffron Housing, who own the play area, along with local residents to decide on how we move forward.

"The Council and Saffron will consult with people to find out what they want to see replace the old equipment and will then work together to provide a suitable outcome."

The Grove Avenue Play Park has not been open since May 2023 (Image: Google Maps)