Supporting local communities: creating a new, accessible pathway for residents of Onley Park
As part of the social value commitments linked to our work at HMP Onley, our Construction West team has constructed a new accessible pathway for local residents.
The project involved installing a new durable, all‑weather pathway linking the Onley Park hall to the roadside parking area, as well as forming a continuous accessible route around the adjacent playing fields.
The improvements now make it safer and easier for anyone with a disability or struggling with their mobility to use the hall and the fields all year round.
The pathway was constructed by our team with the support of suppliers who contributed their time and expertise, including McDermotts, Dunton Environmental, Sunbelt Rentals and Meerbrook Consulting.
Every organisation brought their own expertise, from surveying to groundworks, remediation to logistics, making this project a genuine team effort.
When the path was opened, Gavin Callard from the Onley Park Residents Association (OPRA) said:
We would like to express our gratitude to Wates Construction and their subcontractors who played a part in the provision of the new gravel path.
“It has provided a fully accessible loop around the estate and has opened up access and opportunities for all of us. Those with mobility challenges, families with pushchairs, wheelchair users and young cyclists alike can now all have a route to use and enjoy all year round.
“Residents with limited mobility, including two wheelchair users, are very grateful they now have the opportunity to use parts of Onley Park they could previously not access. This has improved their independence and access to our natural surroundings, which we all know is so important to our wellbeing.
“Thank you for providing this long-lasting improvement, which brings benefit to all. Your work is genuinely appreciated.”
Gavin Callard
Onley Park Residents Association (OPRA)
We’re proud of the outcome and the positive impact it will have on the community. Our relationship with the residents doesn’t end here. Plans are already underway for additional internal improvement works in June, continuing our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy at Onley Park.”
Adam Cannon
Project Director at HMP Onley
