By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A part of Gloucester where “eyesore” large concrete blocks were placed to stop parking on grassy areas will be transformed into a pocket park.
Residents raised concerns about the blocks when they were first installed in October last year to stop cars mounting the pavement in Mount Street and parking on the grass.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD), who represents the area on Gloucester City Council and at Shire Hall, said at the time that she wanted to ensure the huge concrete blocks were not left there indefinitely as they were a “total eyesore”.
The blocks were then painted green and Cllr Trimnell said a resident told her at the time that they “look like Duplo bricks” and they likened it to “Legoland”.
Now the area is set to be transformed into what has been described as a nature-inspired gem for the community.
Gloucestershire County Council met with Phoenix Consultants at the site to kickstart the project last month and it is expected to be completed this autumn.
It involves a multi-stage process starting with large, bespoke planters which will be fixed to the blocks and filled with year-round flora that is both visually attractive for the area and beneficial for local wildlife.
Mural artworks inspired by nature and local wildlife that complement the natural aesthetic of the project will be painted onto the planters.
These murals are intended to breathe colour and life into the area, and will be completed by local professional artists.
Jemma Skidmore, a local resident who helped spearhead the project, is really excited about it.
She suggested to the council they should contact JOLT, the city centre creative hub and business accelerator, when they were considering ideas such as paving the area.
“I said no don’t do that, contact JOLT because they can help you to tender work from artists in the city,” she said.
“We’re really excited. We think it will look great and hopefully there will be more projects like it.”
Phoenix Consultants say the future stages of the pocket park involve creating a backdrop to the scene with additional mural artworks and ways to enhance the existing local community, bringing neighbours together.
“This pocket park aims to uplift a neglected spot while focusing on how to transform it in a way that is beneficial to the local residents, becoming a third space where locals can catch up, have picnics, and enjoy the area to its fullest,” they said.
“Phoenix Consultants will be undertaking the design, fabrication and installation of these planters over the coming weeks.
“As a Gloucester-based company, it is always fantastic to be able to support local initiatives such as this!”
Cllr Trimnell said she too is delighted by the outcome and the project to create a pocket park.
“This new community space is the brainchild of a local company called Phoenix Consultants based at the JOLT studios in the city centre,” she said.
“This area was described as ‘little Beirut’ and then ‘Legoland’ by nearby residents after three huge concrete blocks suddenly appeared outside their homes to stop illegal car parking on county council owned land.
“I am pleased that the area will now be creatively transformed using the concrete blocks to create a much more welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
“I look forward to working with the highly reputable local company and excited to see the finished project in all its splendor before the end of the year.”