Published: 6 Jul 26
Millennium Park – Community Update
Durrington Town Council (DTC) would like to update residents on the current position regarding Millennium Park and the steps being taken to explore its future.
A Brief History of Millennium Park
• 2004 – Millennium Park was leased to DTC for a period of 15 years to provide a recreational space for community use.
• Over the following years, the park became a well-used and valued community asset. It hosted major public events, including annual Firework Displays, and provided facilities for a wide range of activities such as the fitness trail, BMX track, informal football, family picnics, and everyday recreation.
• 2019 – At the end of the lease, the landowner chose not to renew the agreement. Since then, DTC has remained in dialogue with the landowner in an effort to secure the long-term future of this important community space.
Current Situation
DTC has recently been informed that the owner has decided to sell the land. In response, DTC successfully applied for Millennium Park to be listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This gives DTC and the community an opportunity to explore whether the land can be purchased before it is sold on the open market.
DTC has formally notified Wiltshire Council that it wishes to be treated as a potential bidder.
This now begins a limited period during which DTC must consult with the community, carefully assess the financial implications, obtain professional advice, and determine whether submitting a bid is both feasible and in the best interests of residents.
What This Means
This is a significant decision for DTC and for the community.
Purchasing Millennium Park requires raising a substantial amount of money which could have financial implications for DTC and, ultimately, for local residents through future council tax. For this reason, no decisions will be made without careful consideration and meaningful community engagement.
Throughout the process, DTC will seek independent professional advice to ensure that every option is fully explored and that any decisions are based on sound evidence and due diligence.
DTC’s objective is to establish whether it is possible to secure Millennium Park as a permanent community asset for current and future generations.
How You Can Help
We know that Millennium Park is valued by many residents, and we would welcome support from anyone who would like to become involved in this project.
Whether you have professional expertise, experience in fundraising, or simply wish to volunteer your time, we would be pleased to hear from you. If you would like to help, please contact the Town Clerk with your details.
Next Steps
This is likely to be a lengthy process, and there can be no guarantee of the outcome. We appreciate your patience and understanding while DTC undertakes the necessary work.
A public meeting will be arranged in due course to provide residents with further information, explain the process in more detail, answer questions, and gather community views before any decisions are made.
Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.
Clerk to the Council – Joanne Tudor
clerk@durringtontowncouncil.gov.uk
01980 654772
Council Office, Village Hall, High Street, Durrington, SP4 8AD.
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