15 December 2008
A crucial bid has been launched to turn a patch of wasteland in Collyhurst into a groundbreaking 'natural' play space.
Plans have been drawn up to convert the derelict land next to St George's Community Centre on Oldham Road into an amazing play area, which uses boulders, trees, acoustic 'reflectors', grass mounds and nest swings to encourage children to play creatively. The move would deliver a stunning community resource in one of the UK's most deprived wards.
United Utilities has already pledged £40,000 towards the project, through its community programme, United Futures - which is run in partnership with the regeneration charity Groundwork. The company is currently working in the neighbourhood to replace the water mains - part of an £8 million of investment scheme to replace Victorian water mains across the city, tackling leakage and poor pressure.
A bid for a further £50,000 from the National Lottery's Community Spaces Programme has been submitted, and the decision is expected early in the new year.
Glen Goodwin, Project Manager from United Utilities said: "There are very few community resources or usable open spaces in Miles Platting, so this project stands to make a massive difference to local people. Our engineers are a regular fixture in the neighbourhood, as we are replacing the old water mains. We felt this was a great opportunity to get behind a community scheme that this area desperately needs."
Shelia Davis, Chair of St George's Youth and Community Centre said: "For years, we have hoped to create a space for children and young people in the community to come together for play and enjoyment. Each step brings us closer to our goal."
Young people from the area have had the chance to help shape the plans, through workshops and consultation at the community centre.
Kate Morley from Groundwork said: "This play space promises to be very different from the traditional swing park. It will include features that allow children to play more freely and creatively, such as performance areas, climbing posts, boulders and concrete dishes which reflect sound in surprising ways. This approach is great for firing children's imaginations, and encouraging social play. It will be the first natural play area in Greater Manchester, and a huge boost to the local community."
Tony Lloyd MP and Councillor June Hitchen are firm supporters of the bid. Mr Lloyd said: "I have given my wholehearted backing to this imaginative scheme. St George's Community Centre is already an extremely well-used resource in Collyhurst, and this project will add valuable new dimension to the community resources on offer. We are now all hoping that the Lottery bid is successful, so that the plans can be fully realised."
- ends -