A NEW green recreational space in Winchester has been named Hillier’s Haven.

Opening soon in Abbotts Barton, it follows an investment of £100,000 by Winchester City Council.

The council has announced it will be called Hillier’s Haven – as suggested by local resident and Winchester Cub Scout Tom Duxbury after he won a competition to come up with a good name.

The previously inaccessible site, which is adjacent to Hillier Way car park, will be developed into a natural recreational area for the enjoyment of local residents.

It is an integral part of the housing development project in Hillier Way and will also be home to the new 6th Winchester Scout Hut.

Back in the 1980s the land was an informal BMX track but has been long overgrown. It will compensate for the loss of the grassland off Hillier Way which is being developed for council housing.

Tom, aged nine, who received Wonky Woodpecker prizes, said: “I live nearby and walk past the space for school and rugby so I’m really excited about Hillier’s Haven opening. I came up with the name because it is near Hillier Way and chose haven as it’s somewhere to come to be peaceful and quiet.”

The new space has been designed by Winchester City Council’s principal landscape architect Clare Penny.

She said: “Thank-you to everyone who voted and especially Tom for submitting the favourite – Hillier’s Haven. We are moving forward with the project and are delighted to be able to provide these new facilities for the community.”

Hillier’s Haven will feature paths through the woodland, a meadow area with stone fire pits, bird and bat boxes, a sculpture trail, and interpretation boards showing a map of the area and details of the animals and plants you might come across. Work is due to begin right away, with completion by the end of this year.

The new site name will feature on the interpretation boards and at site entrance points.