The design of a new acoustic pavilion for Ayscoughfee Gardens in Spalding has been criticised.
The £57,000 project is being funded by the remainder of the S106 (planning contribution) pot from the development of Springfields Outlet Shopping.
The proposed pavilion – recommended for approval by South Holland district councillors tonight (Wednesday, Jan 27) – is due to replace a wooden structure and wall currently facing the pond garden. It would feature detachable acoustic panels fitted to the back of the structure.
The design, backed by Heritage Lincolnshire, was not popular on our Facebook page.
Jane Cooper wrote: “The gardens do not lend themselves to this easily vandalised modern structure. Money could be spent in a better way.”
Emma Spridgen said: “Hideous but maybe it’ll look better in situ…”
And Rodney Marks, of Spalding, posted: “What’s wrong with a traditional design with 360° viewing? Other than that the platform is too low to afford a good view for people sitting on a level view field. Not impressed.”
Perhaps the most significant dissenter was district councillor George Aley, chairman of Spalding Town Forum – a body which has overseen the selection of projects to support with the final monies in the S106 pot.
Coun Aley was not the only person to liken the design to a bus stop.
He wrote: “Does this mean that the buses will be running through the gardens now that we have a new bus station?”
