University joins Cheltenham Council in funding bid for Pittville Park » Education » 24dash.com

Community development and sustainability is the focus of a new partnership between Gloucestershire University and Cheltenham Borough Council.

Officers from the university and council have met to see how they can work together in the bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to redevelop Pittville Park.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the culture at Gloucestershire University and is embedded in the curriculum.

The University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Patricia Broadfoot, said: "The planning for Pittville Park provides a useful space for thinking about the future and finding ways of creating sustainable communities that can adapt and thrive in the changing conditions of the 21st century.

“We are very enthusiastic and supportive of the plans for Pittville Park, which is one of the great jewels of Cheltenham. We're working actively in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council to move the project forwards."

Rob Bell, assistant director for operations at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “We've found a new and exciting partner in the university. They can offer a wide variety of skills to help not only with our plans for Pittville Park but also in a wider context. We are looking forward to working closely with them.”

Duncan Lean, student representation and experience co-ordinator for the Students' Union, said he was keen to get students involved in future plans. "Our meeting has proved extremely useful in looking at ways of working together now and in the future."

The intention is for the council and university to meet on a regular basis to share resources, expertise and opinions on Pittville Park, and other community development and sustainability projects.