Wakefield's Newest Green Space Named Newlands Country Park After Public Vote

In an exciting development for the Wakefield district, the much-anticipated new country park at the former Welbeck landfill site has been officially named Newlands Country Park. This name, steeped in local history, was chosen through a public vote, reflecting the community’s deep connection to the area’s heritage.

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A community-driven decision

Wakefield Council recently conducted a public poll to determine the name of the new country park, which will soon become a significant recreational space for the local population. Out of the 230 name suggestions received, Newlands Country Park emerged as the clear favourite. The name was proposed by 16 members of the public and received over 1,500 votes, representing nearly half of the total votes cast.

Councillor Jack Hemingway, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, expressed his enthusiasm for the chosen name, stating,

“I’m pleased to see the community come together to choose the name for their new local park. It’s great that we can mark the area’s local history while creating something that residents can enjoy for generations to come.”

The selection process involved narrowing down the suggestions to a shortlist of four, which were then put to a public vote. The response was overwhelming, with 3,200 votes cast over the two-week voting period, demonstrating the community's strong interest in the project.

Honouring local heritage

The name Newlands is not just a nod to public preference but also a tribute to the area's historical significance. The park's location was historically known as Newlands Park and the Newlands Estate, with roots tracing back to the 13th century when King John of England established the estate. The estate's centrepiece, Newland Hall, was constructed in the 1700s, although the area has since seen significant changes, including the complete desertion of the township by the 21st century.

The decision to adopt the Newlands name not only preserves the historical identity of the location but also reconnects the community with its rich past, offering a sense of continuity as the site transitions from its industrial use as a landfill to a verdant public space.

The future of Newlands Country Park

Newlands Country Park is set to become a major green space for the district, with the development planned in phases. The initial phase of the project has focused on the restoration of Council-owned land. As more areas of the former landfill site become available, these will be gradually transformed into public spaces, expanding the park to a total of 200 hectares.

Plans for the park include a variety of amenities that were shaped by public input. Last year, residents shared their vision for the park, advocating for features such as walking trails, natural woodlands, and grasslands. The inclusion of these elements is intended to create a tranquil and scenic environment where residents can relax, exercise, and enjoy nature.

In addition to these natural features, the park's development may include the construction of a visitor centre and essential facilities such as toilets, enhancing the overall visitor experience. While parts of the park are already open to the public, the completion of the entire project will provide Wakefield with a significant new recreational asset that blends modern needs with historical preservation.

Newlands Country Park represents a new chapter for the site, transforming it from a landfill into a thriving community space. The public's involvement in naming the park and shaping its features underscores the project's importance to local residents, ensuring that it will be a cherished destination for years to come.