Published: Thursday, 9th March 2023
Residents living near the park and play area in Wellington Drive have had the opportunity to feedback on the design of the new play area which is due to be completed by May.
In June 2022, Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet approved to spend £118,000 on refurbishments to the existing play area on the Wellington Drive site.
Significant development has taken place in the Cannock South Ward over the last 10 years. Therefore, the Council is utilising Section 106 monies from these developments to fund this project.
The existing play area was last updated in 2001. It currently has no provision for inclusive play and has no direct access for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
The Council has appointed Kompan to undertake the works to the play area and a proposed design has been developed. The theme of the new play area will focus on woodland and nature.
Over the last few months, local residents have been asked for their views on the developments and the new play area. The design of the new play area incorporates the views and suggestions of residents and work is due to start on site this month.
The current play area will still be available to use whilst the new play area is being built due to its new location on the site.
Works to the new access routes have already started on site and will coincide with the installation of the new play area.
Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, Portfolio Leader for Housing, Heritage & Leisure said, “It is great to see that work has started on this development. We are committed to providing good quality parks, play areas and open spaces across the District and I can’t wait to see the finished play area being used by the local community.
“The refurbishments will include the provision and relocation of a new fully accessible and equipped play area, new formal hard surfaced footpaths, relocation of the grass kickabout area and a new site access barrier. The site improvements will also include tree planting, which will contribute to the Council’s climate change agenda.
“I’m pleased local residents and primary schools have had the opportunity to comment on the design and look forward to seeing the completed works”.
To find out more about this development and other improvements being made to local parks across the District, visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/newparks.