Fishwick Phase 1 – Fishwick Recreation Ground, Preston
Site Description
The Fishwick, Phase 1 site is located at the southern edge of Preston in the Fishwick Ward, adjacent to the A6 London Road. Before reclamation work began, the site included a vehicle access, an area of hardstanding off London Road, a derelict athletics track, a poorly drained football pitch and a vandalised sports pavilion. Black metal railings formed the site boundary. To the northwest the site is screened from Ashleigh Street by a wooded slope known as Common Bank. The eastern and southern site boundaries contain trees and shrubs. The area of hardstanding around the pavilion was prone to fly-tipping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Behind the site to the east, lies the larger Fishwick Phase 2 site for which plans are now being drawn up in consultation with local people.
Grid Reference: 355359 429296
Size: 3ha
Site Boundary
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Boundary 
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Status Before Work Began
The athletics track was derelict and the football pitch was used occassionally by a Sunday league team. The site was under-used and prone to fly-tipping, and anti-social behaviour including drug use, prostitution and vandalism. Pedestrian and vehicle access into the site was in need of improvement in order to enhance safety and security.
Previous Use
Originally part of the natural escarpment known as Common Bank, the site is identified as being a wooded slope in the 1800’s. By 1895, the wooded area had been partly cleared and the site may have been part of Bridge End Farm. By 1932 a brick and tile works had been built on the site and the escarpment had been cleared for brick making and the production of building sand. Records indicate that by 1956 the brick and tile works had been dismantled and the site was used as a clay pit and sand pit. The site was then used for the tipping of ash and domestic waste, prior to its reclamation and redevelopment as an athletics track and football pitch in the 1970’s.
New Use
The works completed by REMADE created a multi-functional sports facility that is used by groups who previously had no local facility in Preston or who were using inappropriate facilities within the City. The sports facilities included on the site are a BMX racing track and a joint use football pitch and baseball diamond. The facilities are used by Preston Pirates BMX club, Preston Baseball club and local football clubs. When the sports facilities are not in use the site is used by the public as an open space for casual recreation. Other improvements included improved vehicle access and parking, new shared use paths within the site, cycle parking and new changing rooms. A Preston City Council Park Ranger is involved in the active management of the site.
Aerial Photo
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Photo of the site. (size 207kb)
Design
Fishwick
Phase 1 Design (size 24mb)
Consultation
The local community and the intended site users (Preston Pirates BMX Club, Preston Baseball Club, local football clubs) were involved in developing and commenting on proposals for the site, and funding applications. There was a further opportunity for people to comment at the planning application stage. Consultation on the detailed proposals for the site and for the Fishwick Phase 2/3 site also took place in November / December 2004 as part of the preparation of a management plan for the site.
Construction
Horticon, a landscaping contractor based in Cheshire, carried out the construction works. The works started on site on Monday 19 September 2005 and were completed in Summer 2006.
Completion
The development of the new multi-sports facility was completed in Summer 2006. The BMX track is the new home for the Preston Pirates BMX club and can also be used by local residents when club practice and racing is not taking place. The site also includes a new football pitch and baseball diamond. The site is easily accessible by public transport and car parking is provided.
REMADE have also funded the intial employment by Preston City Council of a Park Ranger for the site. Terry Blackburn will be based on the site and he will be responsible for the day to day running of the site in conjunction with participating sports clubs.
The official opening of the new Fishwick Recreation Ground by the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Bill Tyson took place on Saturday 2nd September 2006. Despite the very heavy rain, Preston Pirates BMX club (formerly Preston Piranhas) demonstrated racing on the BMX track. The site is open for use by all members of the public. More details on the Preston Pirates BMX club, including contact details and a race calendar, can be found on their website at www.prestonpiratesbmxclub.com
The Recreation Ground has now been awarded prestigious Green Flag status, a national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. The criteria for achieving this award include; access, safety, sustainability, cleanliness, provision of facilities and conservation. More details can be found on the Green Flag website. The flag was raised by the Mayor of Preston on Friday 5th October 2007, prior to the opening of the Fishwick Local Nature Reserve.
Panorama
Below is a 360 degree panorama of the BMX track. You can also see the football pitch as well as the changing rooms in the distance. To move the panorama, place the mouse cursor inside the panorama hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse up, down, left and right. To zoom in and out use the + and - buttons on the menu bar.
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