East Park, Hull
East Park in Hull. Picture: Bernard Sharp/Geograph (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Decision record: Contractor appointed for East Park parking and footpath improvement works

A contractor has been appointed to provide a new footpath and parking improvements at East Park.

Hull City Council has today published a decision record confirming the awarding of the contract to CR Reynolds Limited, for the sum of £63,317.64, after an open tender process in which bids were assessed on a ‘best value’ basis, combining price and quality.

The East Park gates were closed to vehicles in 2020 to improve social distancing measures and increase safety for people walking, running and cycling in the park.

To mitigate the loss of parking space, last summer the overflow car park at Woodford Leisure Centre was used as a temporary solution, providing a link to the existing small car park within East Park.

However, the overflow car park closed during the winter, with a temporary access road installed as an interim measure until a permanent solution could be designed and procured.

The permanent solution includes the creation of 21 additional parking spaces on the park road that links the rear of the leisure centre car park and provides access to the small car park at East Park.

Woodford Leisure Centre.

Woodford Leisure Centre.

The work also includes the creation of a new permanent footpath and the installation of removable bollards forming an access barrier, as well as 36 timber bollards separating the overflow car park from the park road. 

The Woodford Leisure Centre overflow car park will be used during periods of high demand, at the discretion of the operator, Hull Culture and Leisure.

Councillor Dean Kirk, portfolio holder for highways, roads and transport, said: “The closure of the East Park gates in 2020 provided a safer environment for people walking, running and cycling. However, it also created a need for additional visitor parking.

“We believe this is the most suitable and cost-effective solution, providing additional car parking spaces as well as a permanent link from the Woodford Leisure Centre car park to the existing East Park car park.

“We are confident this will provide the best outcome for people living in the area and for those who visit East Park.”

The funds to deliver the scheme will be reallocated from the Parks Improvement Fund.

The work is due to begin on Monday 7 March and is expected to last about three weeks.

Roadworks sign
Two children play in the sand at a beach-themed activity day in a Hull Park.