New Clarence Park gateway given the go ahead

A new £120,000 gateway into St Albans’ Clarence Park has been given the go ahead.The design for the Hatfield Road entrance features brick walls, matching stone steps and black, galvanised steel railings.It will replace the timber steps and zig-zag ramp that has been in place since 2003 and has now reached the end of its life.Members of the City Neighbourhoods Committee (CNS) of St Albans City and District Council approved the scheme at a meeting on Wednesday, December 9.The project will now be included in the committee’s capital programme for final approval by the council at its annual budget meeting next month.The next stages of the development include a ground survey as well as more detailed work on the design, structure and costs.It is estimated that the eventual cost will be no more than £120,000.Clarence Park was opened in 1894 and has been kept largely in its original form.It is spread over 25 acres and boasts large grassed spaces with trees, flowers and shrub beds, a children’s play area and a café. It also has a number of sports facilities and is the home of both St Albans City FC and St Albans Cricket Club.The park has been awarded a Green Flag, recognition of high management standards, every year since 2005.