Formerly the site of a 20th century tenement block, Mansfield Park was created after the tenements were demolished in the 1970s. The park was dominated by a large blaes pitch used for competitive football. When football was discontinued in the space in the 1990s, play equipment was removed and the park became increasingly derelict and dog-fouled.Mansfield Park was put forward as a ‘Millennium Space’ candidate in 1996 and initial concept designs were developed. The proposals divided the community and this resulted in the park failing in its bid for funding.Recognising that the park required significant refurbishment and the need for a unified vision with broad community support, Partick Housing Association launched an outreach programme in 2002 to refocus the community on the plight of Mansfield Park. ‘Friends of Mansfield Park’ (FOMP) was established as the main delivery vehicle for the project.LUC was appointed by FOMP in 2003 as lead consultants to develop a design for Mansfield Park with extensive community engagement at every stage of the project.Once initial designs had been prepared LUC consulted the local community at a week long ‘Designer in Residence’ event. We used a vacant shop unit adjacent to the park as a consultation space, open for “drop-in” and as a venue for meetings with local groups for 9 days, including two weekends and evenings. Our displays and models were then retained for further feedback in Partick Library and Partick Housing Association to gain maximum engagement.With over 500 questionnaire responses and more than 2,000 people registering interest in the project, the LUC team could keep a detailed record of local objectives and specific requirements. This information was then used to refine our brief and modify the outline design, which we then presented to a public meeting supported by local newspaper articles.The planning application prepared by LUC gained approval in 2004, and the effectiveness of our community consultation was particularly commended. Funding applications progressed, with a GCC agreement in principle to lease the park to the community for management as a community asset.LUC and FOMP took Phase 1 of the Park’s regeneration forward to detail design stage and construction was completed in 2008. The new park is a multi-functional community space with hard and soft components including a civic square, eco-play garden, parking, parkland, sports and fitness facilities and cultural events area including a location for the local Farmer’s Market.The park has become very popular provided a new civic hub in the west end of Glasgow. It is greatly appreciated by the local community with minimal vandalism. Community ownership is evident with initiatives such as the ‘granny police’ providing protection.
