Focus on Lache

Lache residents are invited to see the latest plans for Lache on Thursday 24th February, at a drop in between 12noon and 7pm at Lache Community Centre, Hawthorn Road.

There will be free refreshments and activities for all ages.

The new Masterplan is the result of discussions and workshops with residents, local schools and youth groups and an in-depth analysis of the area. The final plan is due for completion in March 2022. 

Councillor Val Armstrong, Chair of the Steering Group said: “The emerging plans are very exciting.  New designs will be shared during the drop-in session to make sure they include local aspirations from the ideas and suggestions given. 

“Thanks to the many residents who have already worked with us during the different sessions. The drop-in is a chance to see where all your ideas have led. We want to continue this conversation making sure the plans will lead to the best improvements for Lache. 

“Residents said that not everyone knows what activities are available, with better information needed.  They also talked about the great community spirit in Lache.” 

The Masterplan includes a wide range of proposals and ideas. 

The Community Centre could be redeveloped as a place that brings together many services under one roof including the library and health services. Residents could then find everything they need in one place including a range of services and advice. 

There may be an opportunity to use buildings like the former butchers to create community enterprise locations with community café, repair café, arts and crafts café, knowledge exchanges and community rooms or kitchens. 

The Masterplan includes suggestions for making sure the green spaces are welcoming for families to enjoy and for wildlife to flourish, including creating new Pocket Parks for residents to enjoy. The play facilities would welcome an upgrade alongside improvements in Sycamore Field. 

The community allotments would benefit from improvements to the seating, signage, new planting beds, community kitchen/learning space. 

Cliveden Road could be a safer and more welcoming shopping area, with outside eating areas, pedestrian crossing points, tree planting, rain gardens and parking bays. This will benefit residents and support local businesses. 

There are also ideas for improving road safety for all residents including one-way traffic, road narrowing, parking bays, greening areas, pedestrian crossings, cycle signage, road markings and better street lighting. 

Added Councillor Armstrong: “The Masterplan also considers the opportunities for building new housing where it’s needed for both families and single people. 

“There are opportunities for new events to be held in Lache, including markets, adult education classes, local walks and history trails, possibly a repair shop where knowledge can be shared.”