King George V Park

Public Park Masterplan and Delivery | Melksham, Wiltshire

Client: Melksham Town Council
Status: Ongoing
Completed: August, 2020

Melksham Town Council took over the management of the park from Wiltshire Council and commissioned NVB to create a long-term masterplan for delivery in phases. The masterplan addressed issues of flooding, functionality and condition. Extensive public consultation was undertaken to ensure the masterplan was what the town wants. The result was a multi-functional design that allows for progressive development without losing any facilities before their replacement is provided.

The masterplan's overarching approach rotates around the former cricket pitch, left open to allow for events, play, informal sport, dog-walking and as a key open space in the heart of Melksham. The new facilities include re-providing play with water and for all ages in a sequential circuit of the park, starting with a 'splash pad' (water play area) at the refurbished cricket pavilion which is being converted into a cafe. A 'tree walk and sensory' garden is being developed around a collection of existing trees to be a dog-free area with a more contemplative character. The existing young-children play area floods, with its relocation allowing the space to become the 'Clackers Brook' Nature Trail which welcomes and improves the flooding issue. Events are to be facilitated with a new path, completing a perimeter loop, to connect with the cafe and provide a circular route for all, including the highly popular Park Run. Infrastructure is being integrated for power and lighting for stall holders and entertainment at the regular events that already take place annually.