Project Background
Crawter's Brook was a poorly regarded 3 hectare site at a prominent location in the heart of the Manor Royal Business District and had been neglected over many years. It was overgrown and impassable in places and had become a site for fly tipping and rubbish. The Manor Royal BID reclaimed the area to address these issues and create a facility that would contribute to the attractiveness of the Business District.
Project Costs
£350,000 (Kick Start grant from West Sussex County Council)
£45,550 (Manor Royal BID)
£395,550 - Total Costs
Project Outcomes
HRH The Duke of Gloucester officially opened the new park for the local community in November 2014. Those working on Manor Royal Business District and the general public use the park for informal meetings, relaxation and exercise. A new partnership between the BID and Sussex Wildlife Trust was also launched to open up a wealth of volunteering opportunities. Discover more here
The People's Park, which links Fleming Way with Manor Royal and Gatwick Road, boasts a boardwalk, decking area, cycle paths, seating and picnic benches, providing plenty of space to think, work and play. Additional landscaping and a ‘wildlife partnership' means that the ecological value of the site will be enhanced on an ongoing basis.
Testimonials
"Improving the attractiveness of Manor Royal as a place to work and a lack of facilities were among the top issues identified by businesses and were therefore included in our Business Plan for action. This outdoor space engenders a sense of wellbeing among those working at Manor Royal Business District and provides opportunities for volunteering, team building and cross-company interaction."
Trevor Williams, Chairman of the BID, Site Director of Thales
"It has been incredibly gratifying for us, as designers, to see such a wide range of people using the park. Whether people are out on a lunchtime stroll, walking the dog, having lunch with friends or doing volunteer work, they seem to get a lot from being outdoors in nature.
Sion Thaysen, Allen Scott Architects
Awards and nominations
2014 - South East in Bloom Awards - Overall winner for the Business Improvement District category and Silver Award.
2015 - British BIDs Proud Project - Award Winner in Place Management Small Location category.
2015 - South & South East in Bloom Awards - Silver Award - Conservation Area category.
2016 - Landscape Institute - Highly Commended.
2023 - South & South East in Bloom Awards - Conservation Area of the Year - Crawter's Brook People's Park - Silver Gilt & Winner.
2023 - South & South East in Bloom Awards - Business Improvement District of the Year - Manor Royal BID - Silver Gilt & Winner.
