A TEAM of experts is looking into the viability of turning a town car park into formal gardens.
And if it is deemed worth going ahead with the plans, South Holland District Council leader Gary Porter hopes it could be named in honour of one of this year’s big events.
He has said he would like the new green area to be named Jubilee Park in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Coun Porter said: “There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes by property, planning and legal experts to look at whether it is worthwhile pressing ahead.”
He said the team will be looking at the town’s overall parking provision and where people would park if Victoria Street car park was to be lost.
Coun Porter added: “We would have to make sure the alternatives worked for the people of South Holland.
“We also need to look at how much it would cost – if it’s not going to make things better it will not go ahead.
“Although I won’t say at this stage that I’m confident, I am hopeful it will go ahead and if it does it would be nice to have something new that has jubilee connotations.”
Coun Porter revealed his dream of seeing the car park changed to a park last month when he said he would like to see it replace the town’s Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, which could be built on as part of plans for the redevelopment of Holland Market.
His plans include a full-time park keeper to maintain the gated gardens, which would include children’s play equipment and benches.
Part of the initial cost would be bankrolled with a “significant” sum from Holland Market developers Corbo, but Coun Porter hopes it could become self-sustaining using rental yields from sheltered accommodation which could be built on the edges of the park.