Transforming the green heart of Mumbles so it's fit for the future: By the community; for everyone
Exciting news…
Mumbles Community Association has let the construction contract for Phase 1 works at Underhill Park to T.A.D Builders Ltd.
Work started on 17 January, with the initial focus on setting up and securing the site.
Go Underhill is a major plan by the community in the Mumbles area to transform Underhill Park, developing facilities which are fit for the modern day and for the future.
This much loved green space contributes to the health and wellbeing of around 17,000 local residents and many visitors. More than 50 teams regularly play sports in the Park, which is home to Mumbles Rugby Club and Mumbles Rangers, and is also used by Swansea Cricket Club.
With plans built on what the community want to see happen, the aim is not only to improve the experience for existing users, but also to attract and welcome new users.
This is a long-term plan, with the charity behind the development taking on the management of Underhill Park, for the benefit of everyone, as soon as the resources have been secured to enable development to start.
What’s planned?
The plans for Underhill Park have been developed through working with the existing core users to establish their needs and by asking the wider community what they want to see happen.
There’s lots we want to achieve, so the plans are split into phases, prioritised according to what is most needed.
Phase 1 includes a refurbished pavilion with new public toilets, new changing facilities for sports teams, a new community hub and café with linked outdoor educational play area, and landscaping, plus a new floodlit All-Weather Pitch
Later phases would potentially see the development of more community facilities which could include a multi-purpose community hall with function room/performance space, bar & catering facilities; a state of the art gym; a new multi-use informal play area; improved car parking and access; a spectator stand for the All-Weather Pitch
Watch the flythrough below to get an overview of the project, and check out the details of the scheme and the progress we’ve made so far on the ‘Plans & Progress’ pages
Why is it needed?
As well as being very well used by local sports teams, it is also well-loved by families who enjoy the formal play areas as well as the space for children to simply run around. You’ll find many dog walkers visiting the Park, as well as people just seeking a quiet green space in which to relax.
Sadly, its facilities are declining and, without a huge push from the community, it’s unlikely that this will change.
That’s why the Go Underhill development is being planned, to transform the facilities in Underhill Park and ensure it is fit and ready to be enjoyed by the community and visitors for many years to come.
Who will benefit?
Through the Go Underhill development we will be improving opportunities for formal and informal play and social interaction for people of all ages, from toddlers through to the oldest members of the community, for local people and visitors.
As well as upgrading and enhancing the facilities for football, rugby and cricket users, our plans will enable new sports to make use of the Park, opening up new opportunities for participation.
The Community Hub and Café will provide a meeting space for a range of interest groups and act as a base for new health related activities. Expanding the opportunities so there is something for children of all ages, will enhance the Park as a destination for multi-generational play. Together with the new public conveniences, this will mean that all park users, whatever they are there to do, will have the facilities available to ensure they enjoy their time in the Park.
Together we can make it happen
Go Underhill is an ambitious project. To deliver it will require help and support from local people as well as from businesses, grant bodies, local councils and sporting organisations.
The project is being led by a new registered charity, Mumbles Community Association, which has been set up specifically to drive the delivery of new facilities in Underhill Park and to ensure the long term management and development of the Park for future generations.
The Trustees for the charity include representatives from Mumbles RFC and Mumbles Rangers, as well as Friends of Mumbles’ Parks and a number of individuals, all of whom are giving their time, skills and energy to make it happen.
You can find out more about Mumbles Community Association and the clubs, businesses, organisations and individuals who are already involved on our ‘Delivering’ pages.
Can you help us?
We need your support to help turn these ambitious plans into a reality. There’s lots of information about how you can help with raising the money we need and with delivering the project on our ‘Funding’ and ‘Delivering‘ pages, so please take a look.
Some of those already supporting Go Underhill include:
Dawsons Estate Agents have given £5,000 to help turn the Go Underhill plans into a reality. Read more on our News
Joe’s are proud to give a £10,000 donation to Go Underhill, which is a fantastic community project.
Mumbles Old People’s Welfare Association generously donated over £9,000 to help make Go Underhill happen. Read more on our News
iCreate are supporting Go Underhill with visualisations, fly-through videos, design and hosting of this website: www.icreate.co.uk