Roseburn Park revamp includes public toilet cafe, BMX track

A PUBLIC toilet converted into a cafe, a BMX track, an outdoor gym and a brand new playground are among the plans for a new-look Roseburn Park drawn up by residents.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Apr 2016, 06:59 BST
Updated 5th Apr 2016, 07:27 BST

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An 80-year-old oak tree is felled at Roseburn Park during flood prevention works last month. Picture: Scott TaylorAn 80-year-old oak tree is felled at Roseburn Park during flood prevention works last month. Picture: Scott Taylor
An 80-year-old oak tree is felled at Roseburn Park during flood prevention works last month. Picture: Scott Taylor

The proposed revamp comes as flood prevention works costing £25 million get under way on the stretch of the Water of Leith bordering the park. Some of the trees felled to make way for the new flood barrier would be used to create seats at the park entrances.

The vision has been put together by the Friends of Roseburn Park and a consultation is under way with a residents’ survey and a public drop-in event on Wednesday next week at Roseburn Primary School from 5pm to 8.30pm.

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Picture: suppliedPicture: supplied
Picture: supplied

The centrepiece is the plan to convert the existing disused public toilets into a cafe.

Friends chairman Pete Gregson said: “Kids do football training on a Saturday morning and there are parents standing around, but there’s nowhere to get a cup of coffee. Older people go for walks in the park, but you can’t get a cup of tea.”

He said they hoped to lease the toilets from the council, an architect was working on designs for the cafe and a couple of local businesses were interested in taking it on.

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Mr Gregson said the existing playpark, in the southernmost part of the park, was in the wrong place – on muddy, low-lying land which will become isolated by the new flood wall.

Picture: suppliedPicture: supplied
Picture: supplied

The plan is to replace it with a new playpark at the eastern end with new equipment designed for two to 12-year-olds instead of the current age group of two to six-year-olds.

The Friends also want to make the park more attractive to teenagers with a mini-physical assault course or trim trail, a goal end, basketball net and teen shelter. There would be a BMX track, too, allowing people to cycle all the way round the park, and an adult gym with outdoor fitness equipment.

The proposals have been costed at £250,000. The Friends have already held bake sales and other fundraising events and say they are optimistic they can win support from the Lottery and various trusts and foundations.

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A council spokeswoman said: “The council has worked closely with Friends of Roseburn Park to consider a number of suggestions to enhance the area. We would encourage park users and members of the local community to contribute their feedback on proposals to the informal consultation being run by the group.”

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