MAJOR plans for a new country park featuring an amphitheatre and mountain bike trail have taken a big step forward.

‘South Bucks Country Park’ – a working title – is set to open in Stoke Poges in 2024 after planning permission was first approved in 2018 and work began in 2019.

Landscaping for the park is currently being carried out, with the installation of park facilities to follow, Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed in a new update to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: “Landscaping work for the new country park is progressing on the 59-acre site of the Old Lanes Golf Academy, in advance of seeding and planting which will take place in phases, according to the planting season.

“Construction of a café, play area and toilet facilities will also take place and the park will have an extensive range of cycling and walking routes.

“The new park will provide an exciting, welcoming open space for the local community to enjoy. The completion date is still expected to be 2024.”

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Planning approval is also currently being sought for details related to hard surfaces in the new green space.

The park will be bordered by Fir Tree Avenue to the north, the B416 Stoke Road to the east, a field to the south, a sports field to the southwest, and Stoke Poges Lane to the west.

The Site was most recently used as a nine-hole municipal golf course and driving range, which closed in 2016.

The full plans for the country park include demolishing the old driving range and remodelling the former golf course.

The plans also include recreational and sports facilities, including the construction of a mountain bike trail, BMX trail, bike circuit, children’s play area and amphitheatre.

There will also be a 1km enclosed running track, jogging footpaths and a green gym suitable for all user groups.

Additional car parking and associated landscaping and infrastructure is also proposed for the park, which is set to be open all year.

As well as sports and creation, the Council is also hoping the country park will be a haven for natural wildlife.

Several different habitats are set to be included on the site in a bid to allow flora and fauna to flourish.

These include native lowland wood, pastures and parkland, native lowland meadows, native hedgerow species, swales – where water collects – and native woodland.

Plans say: “This 24-hectare site will enhance the local and regional ‘Green Infrastructure’ network, helping to connect up other existing pockets of green space, for wildlife.”