Help Design Lache Backies Gateway
Work starts in the Autumn to transform the Backies in Lache into a green space for residents to enjoy and wildlife to thrive. Before this starts Lache Community Centre has a quick survey available until 22 August asking for ideas about new bespoke entrance gates.
The quick survey asks for a ranking of designs to feature on the gates (birds, trees, animals and insects). Which spelling is preferred ‘Backies’ or ‘Baccies’ and if there are ideas for text, poem or phrases that could be included. The survey is also available online: Help us design gates for Lache Backies
Cheshire West and Chester Council is working with residents on the plans for the Backies, the project has evolved from community consultations and forms part of the Lache Action Plan. The project has been successful in securing funding from the FCC Communities Foundation and, in partnership with Chester Zoo, funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as a contribution from local development in the area.
The plan for the improved green space includes a network of all-weather paths, viewing point and seats across the 8-hectare (18 acre) former landfill site. The main focus is on enhancing the area for wildlife and creating a welcoming area for residents to enjoy being in nature.
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said:
This next element of the Lache Action Plan wouldn’t have been possible without the Friends of Lache Backies. They have worked closely with us to help design the Backies layout as well as getting stuck-in on community clean-up days – thank you to the group and the wider community for their support. Working together, good progress has been made; the children's play area in Sycamore Park has been upgraded and the first phase of refurbishment to the community centre opened in May. It is great news that additional funding has been secured to continue the improvements in the Lache neighbourhood.
Steve Illidge, Project Manager for Networks for Nature at Chester Zoo said:
We’re excited to be collaborating with the local council and the community to improve Lache Backies for people and wildlife. We believe that it’s so important that local communities are involved in helping to plan and deliver positive change in their community to make sure that it fits what people want and need. Thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Chester Zoo can provide long-term support for green space improvements within Lache. The Networks for Nature project is working across Chester and Ellesmere Port so this Lache Backies will be part of a long-term ambition to make a thriving landscape for people and wildlife.
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund
Richard Smith, FCC Communities Foundation senior grant manager, said:
We’re delighted to be supporting the improvements to the Backies project and pleased our funding will provide such a beautiful green space for people across Chester.
In Cheshire West, grants were available via income from the Gowy Landfill site. This site is no longer operating, so this project has been the last opportunity to bid to the Landfill Communities Fund.
The main work to transform the Backies will be completed by early 2026.Following this on-going habitat and community improvements will be continued by a Friends of Group and volunteers, with support from the Chester Zoo led Networks for Nature project.