A PUBLIC meeting to discuss plans for the proposed "floating pavilion" in Rowntree Park, York, will be held next week.

On Wednesday, members of the Friends of Rowntree Park and City of York Council will present a slideshow and talk about the unique concept, which is based on a Dutch design and protects buildings in flood-prone areas from damage.

As previously reported in The Press, a working group from the Friends has been canvassing opinions and analysing the options to put together a bid to the Big Lottery Fund's Community Buildings programme for a new, eco-friendly building that can withstand repeated flooding.

The current pavilion, which was built in the 1970s and has been flooded out many times, is cramped, dank and inadequate for the needs of the various community groups that use it, including toddler groups, bowlers, tennis players, York Model Boat Club and the Young Friends of Rowntree Park.

Mike Heyworth, chairman of the Friends of Rowntree Park, said: "We really need a warm, dry, more spacious environment for activities and events".

"We've looked at all the possible options and the amphibious design seems to be the most practical solution, especially since flooding incidents are likely to increase with climate change."

The Dutch houses are constructed on concrete "basements" that act as a float should floodwaters encroach.

The houses are tethered to piles driven deep into the ground to ensure that they settle back in exactly the same position when the waters recede.

"The concept may be new to us in the UK, but in the Netherlands and elsewhere it's heading towards the mainstream," said architect Phil Bixby, who is supporting the group's application.

"In some areas of Holland, floating buildings are the only new buildings that will be allowed."

The meeting, which is at 7pm in Rowntree Park café, will involve an informal "walkabout" to view the current pavilion, followed by a presentation at 7.30pm. Refreshments will also be available.

"At this stage we are simply applying for a development grant to investigate the project further," said Mr Heyworth.

"If we are successful, further public consultations will, of course, be held as part of a wider feasibility study."

A questionnaire about the pavilion is also available online at the Friends' website, www.rowntreepark.org.uk