The Mayor of Liverpool has announced a £1m programme to deliver 20 new or improved play areas across Liverpool.
The programme, which will start in the summer, will not only focus on improving standards in play areas but will also address the lack of provision in parts of the city- an issue highlighted by a recent review of green spaces in the city.
Mayor Joe Anderson said:
“The very first cut imposed on Liverpool by the Coalition government in 2010 was to children’s play. Playbuilder 2 – a programme of the previous Government to fund children’s play –was axed half way through, leaving areas that were promised new play areas bereft. Simon O’Brien’s Green and Open Space Review Board has rightly highlighted the gaps in children’s play in parts of the city. I’m delighted to announce this new initiative to fill the gaps.”
All of the play areas will focus on natural play – using materials such as treated wood. Funding for the play areas will be provided from Section 106 contributions, the sums which will be paid by developers as part of planning agreements.
Mayor Anderson added:
“It’s appropriate that it’s funded from Section 106 monies – the proceeds of growth. It’s a vindication of the strategy I’ve pursued of attracting investment to the city so all Liverpool people can benefit.”
Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:
“This programme shows the importance we attach to having play areas right across the city, and we are funding in a way in which they will go hand in hand with developments in the city- developers will pay for play.”
The new play areas will be at: Allerton Towers, Camp Hill, Score Lane Gardens, Norris Green Park, Croxteth Park – West Derby Gate, Wavertree Playground (the Mystery), Windsor Gardens (Cherry Lane), and Ackers Hall.
Improvements will be made at: Blackrod Avenue, Great George Square, Kirkdale Recreation Ground, Parkhill Public Open Space, Radcliffe Public Open Space, Richmond Park, Thirlmere Public Open Space, Walton Hall Park, Everton Terrace, Netherley Park, Rice Lane and Banks Road