Work starts on 'roadway for all' in Bignold Park

Work started this week on construction of a roadway in Kirkwall’s Bignold Park, a project being managed by Orkney Agricultural Society with financial support from Orkney Islands Council.

The park will remain open throughout construction, which is expected to take four to six weeks, weather dependent.

The first phase of the new roadway will go from the Pavilion to the bottom gate at Meadowbank, with further sections via the old hockey building and east side of the football pitch being included.

The new roadway will link up the main entrance on Bignold Park Road, to the housing area in Meadowbank, providing walking links to two of Orkney’s biggest schools and nearby housing away from busy roads.

Orkney Islands Council agreed in September to fund construction costs up to a maximum of £76k.

The work is being carried out by local contractor Eoin Muir Plant Hire to high quality specifications.

President of the Orkney Agricultural Society. Gary Flett, said: “We’re pleased that as a result of the support from Orkney Islands Council we can announce that work is due to commence on the roadway this week.

“Although some areas of the Park will obviously be out of action for a few weeks at a time, we are keen to manage the work so there is minimal disruption to the public.

“We look forward to seeing progress and hope this improvement will serve the wider community and park users all year round.”

Convener Harvey Johnston said: “It’s gratifying to see this project, one which will drastically improve the enjoyment of an important public space, moving ahead at speed. I would thank the Orkney Agricultural Society and our own officers for finding this unique way forward to the benefit of the entire community.

OIC’s Leisure and Culture Service Manager Garry Burton said: “These improvements will not only improve conditions underfoot all year round for all users, but will protect the long term condition of the park which is of course of huge importance as the Council seeks to make the best of Orkney’s public spaces. The Council is keen to work with the community in the longer term to explore how best to develop the Bignold Park for enhanced community use.

Bignold Park was gifted to the Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall in 1906 and 1911 by Sir Arthur Bignold as a public park for the use and enjoyment of the community of the Burgh of Kirkwall, with the remainder being acquired by the Council over subsequent years. It is popular with dog walkers, pupils at the nearby schools and as a short cut to ‘the toon’. It’s also regularly used by sporting clubs and, for one week a year, by the Orkney Agricultural Society for the County Show.