Residents invited to help shape the next chapter for The Quarry

Local residents are being encouraged to have their say on the long-term care and enhancement of The Quarry as Shrewsbury Town Council launches a month-long public consultation on a new Conservation Management Plan for the town's iconic park.

The consultation opens on Saturday 6 June and will run until Monday 6 July, giving residents, park users, community groups and stakeholders the opportunity to share their views on the future care, protection and enhancement of one of Shrewsbury's most treasured public spaces.

The Quarry is at the heart of community life in Shrewsbury, welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors each year. The new Conservation Management Plan will help guide the management of the 29-acre park, balancing its historic significance, environmental importance and role as a venue for recreation, events and wellbeing.

The consultation seeks feedback on a range of key topics including heritage, biodiversity, accessibility, events, play provision, environmental sustainability, flooding and the long-term management of the park.

Councillor Rob Wilson, Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said:

"The Quarry is one of Shrewsbury's most loved and recognisable landmarks. It is a place where people come together to relax, exercise, enjoy events and connect with nature.

“To keep it that way takes an incredible amount of work, and this needs to be rigorously planned. There are a number of underlying issues that need to be addressed, and the council needs this long term plan to ensure that time and resources are spent wisely.

"This consultation is a chance for residents to help shape the next chapter of the park and ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community for generations to come. We would encourage everyone who values The Quarry to take a few minutes to share their views."

Paul Shirley Smith, Director at Camlins, the consultancy supporting the development of the Conservation Management Plan, said:

"We are excited to be launching this consultation and hearing directly from the people who know and value The Quarry best. This is a unique opportunity to gather a wide range of perspectives on what makes the park special and how it can continue to evolve in the future. We expect the consultation to provide some really important insights that will help shape a

plan which protects The Quarry's heritage while ensuring it continues to meet the needs of residents, visitors and future generations."

To help residents learn more about the project and complete the survey, Shrewsbury Town Council will be hosting a series of consultation events within The Quarry:

- Saturday 6 June – East Entrance to The Quarry, 8am to 1pm

- Sunday 7 June – Near the Play Area, 10am to 2pm

- Monday 8 June – Main Gates, 11am to 8pm

Members of the project team will be available at each event to answer questions, discuss the proposals and help residents complete the questionnaire.

Residents can complete the consultation online via the Town Council website. www.Shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk/quarry-management-plan-consultation

Alternatively, paper copies of the questionnaire can be collected from Shrewsbury Town Council Livesey House 7 St John's Hill Shrewsbury SY1 1JD.

The consultation closes on Monday 6 July and all feedback received will help inform the development of the Conservation Management Plan.

Shrewsbury Town Council is encouraging residents of all ages to take part and help shape the long-term care, protection and enhancement of one of the town's most cherished green spaces.