Proposals for St Mary’s Lands containing recommendations for the future of the popular recreation and sporting amenity have been approved by Warwick District Council’s Executive.

The proposals report is the culmination of much work by Warwick District Council, alongside a St Mary’s Lands Working Party which is made up of the Corp of Drums, Friends of St Mary’s Lands, Golf Centre, Hill Close Gardens, Warwick Race Course, Racing Club Warwick Football Club, Warwick Town Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Warwick Society. It also includes the results of a public consultation which took place in May and June.

Councillors were asked to approve the delivery of a number of key recommendations including: 

• a management and maintenance plan to improve the landscape and drainage and to increase biodiversity
• funding to enhance the frontage of Hill Close Gardens 
• a cycle link from Hampton Street to Saltisford Brook 
• improvements to pedestrian access, footpaths and parking
• a new play area adjacent to the Forbes estate 
• modifications to the toilet facilities at both the Golf Club and Racing Club Warwick to allow for public access

The plan also contains proposals from the Jockey Club to replace its existing turn-style building and create a new entrance to the Racecourse. The development of a hotel on the site will be dependent on the outcome of a feasibility study on accommodation provision for the town as a whole.

The Secretary of the Friends of St Mary’s Lands, Nigel Hamilton commented: "The Friends of St Mary Lands have welcomed the opportunity to work with Warwick District Council and the other stakeholders on the Working Party. St Mary Lands must be safeguarded as open space for future generations to enjoy."

Councillor Noel Butler who is a member of the St Mary’s Lands working party said: "St Mary’s Lands is a very special place. The driving force behind our plans is to create a publicly accessible open space for everyone to enjoy. However in doing this we also need to be able to support the many and varied businesses and stakeholders based there."

Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger, Leader of Warwick Town Council added: "With its nature reserve, Grade II listed gardens, racecourse, football and golf club St Mary’s Lands is a unique and integral part of our community. I strongly believe that our plans will not only improve the access and enjoyment for local people but will bring a huge boost to the town’s economy."

It is estimated that the first phase of works will begin in 2017. The overall scheme will cost of £741,500 of which £319,000 would be from Warwick District Council with the rest coming from the other stakeholders, grants and other sources.