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News Release from: Forestry Commission | Subject: New Public Space Trust
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 April 2004
From Wasteland To Parkland: Public Space
Trust
From Wasteland To Parkland - vision becomes reality as Deputy Prime Minister launches new Public Space Trust
A vision to restore and maintain up to 10,000 hectares of brownfield land over the next ten years became reality today, as the Deputy Prime Minister formally launched the Land Restoration Trust The Trust - a partnership between English Partnerships, Groundwork, the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency - aims to transform derelict, neglected or under-used brownfield land into accessible, open green spaces to benefit local communities
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 15 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Announcing the Land Restoration Trust, John Prescott said: "A successful, sustainable community has to be about more than just housing.
It needs the right mix of ingredients to make it a desirable place where people choose to live and work.
"And that is why the creation of the Land Restoration Trust is so important.
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By transforming swathes of neglected brownfield land into open green spaces for the community to enjoy, the Trust will help to improve not only the local environment but also people's quality of life.
"I hope to see the Land Restoration Trust helping communities across the country - from the former coal mining areas to the creation of new sustainable communities in the Thames Gateway." During the Trust's three-year pilot phase it will restore and manage 1,500 hectares of under-used brownfield land.
It will also work in partnership to expand its portfolio to 10,000 hectares in the next 10 years.
The first three sites to be transferred to the Land Restoration Trust are Monkton in the North East and Bentley and Hickleton, both in Yorkshire.
These sites will come from English Partnerships' National Coalfields Programme, but it is anticipated that the Trust will engage with partners on Thames Gateway and in the designated Pathfinder areas.
Euan Hall, Chief Executive of the Land Restoration Trust welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister's announcement: "We are now well aware how much of an impact derelict land can have on a community in both social and economic terms.
Pieces of wasteland can have adverse affects on health, morale and can be a common environment for crime.
The Land Restoration Trust will tackle these issues head on by restoring under-used land for community benefit, improving quality of life and community interaction.
"By working strategically with local and regional partners the Trust aims to raise the profile of green spaces in our daily lives, developing not only improved social cohesion but raising an area's economic prosperity.
We will identify and work with 'local management partners' and together with the community, will establish the correct solution for each site.
"This may be in creating woodlands, wetland areas, skateboard parks or nature trails but in some cases it may mean managing a community facility or ancient monument.
Each site will be unique and require a different approach.
That is why we need the expertise of a national organisation which can oversee these requirements and react accordingly." The Trust aims to contribute to the development and promotion of best practice in brownfield regeneration forming close associations with research bodies such as CL:AIRE and by adopting the newly launched Roots software as a guide to diverse planting and environmental creation.
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