PROPOSALS for a £500,000 project to transform a neglected open space have been unveiled at a public meeting.

The 10-year improvement plan for South Park, Maidstone, includes a new hockey pitch, skate park and children’s play equipment.

It is part of Maidstone Borough Council’s green space strategy, which aims to make the park a “prime venue for sport and young people.”

Proposals also include landscaping, a sensory garden, new footpath and cycle routes, sculptural trail and flower beds.

The existing tennis courts and bowling green are also set to be overhauled.

More than 60 residents gathered at a public consultation on Monday at Southborough Primary School, Stagshaw Close, Maidstone, to voice their opinions.

Speaking afterwards, chairman of the Green Spaces Advisory Committee, Cllr Fran Wilson (Lib) said it was the first phase of consultation.

“This is only the beginning of the consultation and we will take on board the views of all the residents,” she added.

“People have concerns about skate parks and the problems associated with them, but there have been huge innovations in the method of making them which we will be looking at.

“The last thing we want to do is reduce the quality of life for people – the aim is to enhance the area.”

She added: “South Park has been severely neglected so it is ripe for restoration to bring it into the 21st century.”

The next consultation is due to take place in March with a South Park Friend’s Group formed to assist decision making.

Work on a new £60,000 play area at the site is due to start in September.

THE impact of extra lighting and noise generated by the proposed news sports pitch and skate park is causing residents the most concern.

Sue Goode, secretary and acting chairman of the Loose Road Residents’ Association, said: “My fear is the pitch will be too close and generate extra noise all year round.

“We can already hear the noise from the existing pitch at night, even when we have all of our windows shut.

“I would prefer the park left as it is, apart from improving security, because it is never locked up at night.”

But Tovil Parish Council clerk, Alison Chew felt the area was neglected and in need of updating. She said: “Although South Park is not strictly in Tovil it is used by a great deal of people,” she said. “It’s our nearest amenity and overdue work to improve it.”

Peter Ananicz , secretary of the 1,000-strong North Loose Residents’ Association, agreed South Park had been “tatty” for too long. He was at the public consultation attended by 60 people, despite letters being sent to 1,200 homes and organisations. He said that in general plans were excellent.

“The consensus was that a skate park was not required because it is a passing fad and the hockey pitch could be controversial because it’s close to some homes,” he added.

A SPORTS club is hoping the 2012 London Olympic Games will give plans for South Park a huge boost over the next decade.

Roger Daniels, chairman of Maidstone Hockey Club, which is based at South Park, said: “The redevelopment of the area is fantastic and the club has been part of the consultation.

“Our long-term aspiration is to have a second astro-pitch on the north side of the park but we are a long way from funding it at this stage.”

In April the existing clubhouse is due to be demolished to make way for an updated building costing half a million pounds.

The club’s secretary and ladies’ first-team captain, Kirsty Hotson, right, said a state-of-the-art pitch would be of benefit to the entire community – particularly schools and other sports clubs.

“Hopefully it will arrive to coincide with the Olympics when more children are likely to become interested in sport,” she added.

Visit www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk and click South Park Consultation.