New pocket parks to land in Derby
Published: 9 May 2024
An example of how the Parklets could look
Seven new ‘pocket parks’ are to be installed at the heart of busy communities across Derby this summer.
Parklets, also known as ‘pocket parks’ are temporary structures that are designed to create a welcoming space for people to spend time in their local community, as well as increase footfall, enhance biodiversity and encourage active travel such as walking and cycling.
The fully accessible structures will be unique to each location and provide citizens with a safe space to sit with a coffee or catch up with a friend over lunch. Each Parklet will have seating and secure cycle parking, with plants installed in and around the structures to create green spaces that are attractive and welcoming.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said:
Parklets are an innovative yet simple way of enhancing community hubs and creating spaces for people to meet. We’ve invested a lot into making our city centre as accessible and attractive as possible for cyclists and pedestrians, and now it’s time for us to focus our attention on communities outside the city centre.
We’ve worked hard to select locations where the Parklets can bring a real and tangible benefit to local communities. As well as making it easier for citizens to choose alternative methods of travel, such as cycling and walking, the Parklets also have the potential to increase footfall to nearby businesses and support the local economy.
The Parklets will be installed in the following locations:
- London Road, Alvaston
- Burton Road/Harrington Road, Littleover
- Uttoxeter Road, Mickleover
- Etwall Road, Mickleover
- Chapel Street, Spondon
- University of Derby’s Britannia Mill site
- A Parklet will also be installed into the Chaddesden e-mobility hub on Nottingham Road
Significant care has been given to deciding the location of each Parklet. Each site has been selected because it will bring significant benefits to the local area, as well as being at the heart of a busy community with high footfall.
The Parklet’s proximity to local shops and businesses will give citizens greater choice when deciding how to travel. By making it easier to walk or cycle to local amenities, the project will also reduce congestion on the roads and decrease levels of pollution.
Parklets are classed as temporary structures as they do not require a concrete base, making them much easier and cheaper to install into communities. Each Parklet will be installed for a minimum of five years, however, the structures can be moved to alternative locations if their initial location becomes unsuitable.
Made of durable materials such as galvanised steel, composite decking and hardwearing wood, the structures are designed to withstand heavy use over time so that the whole community can enjoy their benefits.
Funded by the Government’s Future Transport Zones Fund, the Parklets will be installed during Summer 2024. Funding has also been allocated to ensure that each Parklet is properly maintained and monitored for a minimum of five years. Footway improvements are planned for some of the Parklet locations before their installation to ensure that they are easy to access.