View the Masterplan and Conservation Management Plan executive summary.

The master plan is designed to be implemented in phases as funding becomes available. The first phase of works will be dependent on the success of the bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Some additional match funding from the District Council and other sources will also be required for the bid.

For a timeline of phases one and two, access here.

How you can help:
You can support the bid for funding by emailing St Albans District Council with a message of support for the improvement plans. This will be submitted to the HLF with the application for funding.

There will also be sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, groups and individuals.

The improvements outlined in a master plan are the result of an extensive period of consultation and public participation subject to HLF approval in September. Funds will be released for the detailed development and design of the proposals and the submission of applications for planning permission and listed building consent as required. At this point there will be opportunities to get involved. If in the mean time you have any comments on the various documents published here we will be pleased to receive them.

A summary of the proposals in the master plan are outlined below:
For a full schedule of the proposals access here.

Heritage and archaeology - improvements to the London Gate entrance to recreate the experience of entering the historic Verulamium City will begin a new visitor experience to the park with better interpretation boards; easier access to the Roman Wall and the appointment of an education officer to develop activities and events.

Wildlife - bird and bat boxes will encourage nesting opportunities; while new tree and hedgerow planting will provide better habitats; visitors will benefit from new ecology interpretation boards while a park ranger will also organise events for the public to better appreciate the wildlife.

Play areas - new children's play areas aimed at age groups from 0 to five; five to nine; and nine to 11 will be situated closer to the Splash Park. For older children and teenagers a new creative play area using hammocks and trampolines will be created in the centre of the park.

Sports and health - new tennis and netball courts will be situated closer to the Westminster Lodge. Jogging paths, accessible to all, will be created around Ver Meadow. Woodland walks will be created along the City Ditch.

Lakes and River Ver - restoration work to secure the future of the lakes will include removal of silt, installation of fountains, marginal planting and viewing platforms. With the aim of returning the River Ver closer to a chalk stream habitat, works will include the removal of silt, new planting
and construction of a rill providing feed to a new Mill Pond.

A zone for teenagers - with internet access and a climbing wall is one of the new attractions.

Overall aims - with the aim of developing the park for the 21st century, the plan will gradually restore and enhance the main features of the park including the lakes and Roman heritage, with a new area in the centre of the park for events and installations. It provides new play and leisure
facilities for children and it improves the overall visitor experience with a new refreshment kiosk, improved toilets, additional paths and a wildlife visitor centre. All current activities in the park, such as model boating, will continue to be accommodated.

Public consultation - access results of the consultation with young people here.

Following a comprehensive public consultation, including events specifically to gather the views of teenagers. A range of issues have emerged from the public participation exercises which will require more consultation when detailed schemes have been prepared, including cycling schemes. The plan presents indicative cycle routes but further consultation will be required before any scheme is adopted.

The proposals have emerged from a comprehensive consultation exercise with over 1100 questionnaires completed and over 4,500 visits to the park's website. There was also a public exhibition and stakeholder events for neighbouring schools and interest groups.

Scientific surveys - to complement the consultation a number of scientific surveys were
completed on: the archaeology and ecology of the site; a park condition and landscape survey and a hydrological report on issues affecting the lakes and River Ver.

Documentation relating to the research surveys and master plan will be available at: the Central Library in the Maltings Shopping Centre and the reception area at the District Council Offices in April 2008.

View the site map of the Master Plan here.