10/04/2020
QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY
The old hothouse area of Queen’s Park has been closed off after concrete cladding fell off some of the walls. An initial survey has indentified stress cracks and potential erosion of the steel supports. A further survey will take place following the removal of ivy to understand the extent of the problem. The well used back-way between York and Westmorland roads may have to be closed depending on the safety report which will dictate whether remedial action can be done or even demolition of the structure which dates from 1963. Many older residents may recall the Hothouse in its hay-day the when it featured a desert area with cacti, tropical flower beds and even a large pond with terrapins. The hothouse area is home to our community café and it now looks like we may not be able to open the café in 2020 depending on the results of the safety study. This will sadly mean there will be none of the events that have become traditions such as our Easter celebration, musical concerts on a Sunday and simply providing drinks, ice creams and snacks at the weekends. It will also mean there will be no Polish Day celebration at Queen’s Park in June which had become perhaps the best town centre event of the year. Amid the gloom however there is hope in that if the hothouse had to be demolished South Swindon Parish would consider building a new hothouse, toilets and indoor c café with space for community and schools activities – the long term dream of Chairperson Stan Pajak and the Queen’s Park Community Council and café helpers.
Queen’s Park Old Hothouse Safety Worry QPCC Chairman Stan Pajak by the fenced off area
Well-attended Polish Day last year
The Hothouse in its 1960s heyday
