On Wednesday 01 December, the draft masterplan to improve an area of public open space bounded by New Brook Street, Castle Road, Castle Road allotments and the river Wharfe was unveiled at Ilkley Playhouse.  The event marks the start of the formal consultation process which will continue until the end of the year.

The masterplan was funded by Ilkley Town Council and created by PWP Design of Otley. It takes account of an earlier round of informal public and stakeholder consultation that took place last spring.

Over the next few years, the project seeks to transform this prominent but uninspiring section of the riverside into an area in which:

• Biodiversity is enhanced by new layered planting, allowing a greater range of vegetation structures to develop as habitats for insects, birds and other wildlife
• Opportunities for children and adults to learn about the importance of nature restoration are embedded, and facilitated by the creation of a mini amphitheatre, new pathways, places to relax and information boards
• Ideas from local people, wherever possible, have been incorporated
• Green uniformity will gradually be replaced by greater variety, colour and year-round interest
• Ease of long-term maintenance has been given a high priority

Final decisions about planting regimens within different areas of the site have yet to be taken. They will be informed by expert opinion and soil analyses which have already been conducted as well as by wishes expressed by local people.  Planning applications will be submitted to City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council in respect of the hard landscaping.

The project represents an opportunity to demonstrate that public open space, largely comprising grassland of low biodiversity value can be transformed in ways that enhance the area for local wildlife and connect people with the natural world. It is hoped that improving the area in this way will help both people and wildlife adjust to a warming climate, as well as inspiring people to do more to help address the wider environmental crisis.

We’d love to hear your views on the masterplan.  Please complete the feedback form below.