Elvet Green is a riverside green space in the heart of Durham City. Since 2017, local volunteers have spent thousands of hours restoring and caring for this neglected former bowling green, transforming it into a thriving community garden and public park.

Now the Council is proposing to use Elvet Green for construction access, storage and associated works for the Baths Bridge project, and as of August 26th 2026, the site has now been fenced off. 

We are not opposed to the bridge, but Elvet Green should not become a construction site. We are asking Durham County Council to protect Elvet Green, properly consider alternatives and commit to preventing unnecessary or lasting damage to the site as a result of the proposed construction use.

Since 2017, HGCA volunteers have continued to care for Elvet Green. They have cleared waste, maintained the grass and paths, planted and maintained vegetation, created habitats and continued to improve the site. This has been a sustained commitment over almost a decade. Durham County Council recognised this dedication in January 2025, thanking HGCA for the difference it had made to the former bowling green and surrounding area.

The proposed construction use must take account of what is already there, the work that has gone into creating it and the effect that construction activity could have on the site.

What we are asking for

As the Council moves towards using Elvet Green, it should clearly explain:

• Exactly which areas will be affected and for how long.
• What equipment, materials and vehicles will use the site.
• Why Elvet Green is required and what alternative locations or arrangements have been considered.
• What impact the works will have on planting, habitats, wildlife and public access.
• How the site will be protected during the works.
• How the site will be restored when the works are complete.
• Who will be responsible for repairing any damage and ensuring that restoration is properly carried out.

Elvet Green has been cared for and managed by volunteers for almost a decade. The Council should protect the park from unnecessary damage, destruction or permanent loss as a result of the Baths Bridge works and ensure that it remains a community green space when the works are complete.

We are not asking the Council to stop the Baths Bridge project. We are asking it to demonstrate why Elvet Green is required, properly consider alternatives and protect the park while the works take place.

Renovating Baths Bridge Should Connect, Not Divide Our Community

Build The Bridge. Protect Elvet Green.

Please sign and help protect Elvet Green.