ABANDONED plans to convert Horseshoe Lake into a country park saw more than £90,000 of taxpayers money ‘wasted’.
Proposals to add a new pavilion with an integrated cafe and an expanded car park to the Sandhurst site were unveiled at the start of last year.
But Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) chiefs scrapped these big ideas in November in favour of “simple upgrades” after responding to public pressure.
Going ahead with the country park scheme could have cost BFC more than £2.5 million.
Although the council avoided splashing this cash, design works showcasing how Horseshoe Lake might have looked after its revamp cost the authority £90,000 in taxpayer money.
David Vousden, Vice-Chair of Sandhurst Residents Association (SRA), told the News: “The SRA is pleased BFC is intending to carry out enhancements to Horseshoe Lake within their existing budgets.
“However, in common with many residents, there is widespread dismay that £90,000 has been spent on the abortive proposal to create a “country park”.
“From the initial stage of the proposal being made public, the SRA and many other stakeholders expressed to BFC professional opinions of the financial flaws in the business case.
“It is of concern these views were totally disregarded by the executive and subsequently a substantial amount of money that could have been available to deserving causes that have had funding withdrawn, wasted.
“We hope that it is a lesson learnt for the future for BFC to involve residents at an early stage in such projects.”
Of the total spending, £86,578 went on consultant costs which included design, artwork and marketing fees.
Another £4,014 was spent on a survey of trees and wildlife, bringing the total cost to £90,593.
Information from the surveys produced by consultants for the old proposal will be used to support designs for the simple upgrades now planned.
Andrew Hunter, a director at BFC, said: “Our priority has always been to protect the Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) status of Horseshoe Lake and maintain the current water sports facility.
“The surveys and investigative work carried out were necessary to achieve this, regardless of the level of proposed enhancements.
“The surveys and investigation studies will help us to support the future management of Horseshoe Lake, including the preparation for the improvements we are intending to make at the lake in the coming months.
“We remain committed to creating tangible improvements to Horseshoe Lake for the benefit of Bracknell Forest residents.”
Instead of a country park, BFC is now planning to roll out ‘simple upgrades’ for Horseshoe Lake, which could include:
- Free on-site parking
- A small seasonal cafe
- Landscape enhancements
- Improved path surfacing
These new proposals are being costed by existing council staff and it is expected fees for the new upgrades will be met by existing council funding already available.
Cllr John Harrison, BFC’s leisure boss, said: “A number of concerns were raised regarding earlier proposals to develop Horseshoe Lake into a country park.
“We have listened to these concerns and as a result have reviewed our proposals for the site.
“The new plans will see landscaping upgraded to provide children with a better play and discovery experience, an opportunity for a small seasonal refreshment outlet, as well as improved free parking spaces and access.
“The improvements will be similar to those seen in our other open spaces and will provide existing visitors with an enhanced experience.”
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