A child playing on monkey bars in a playground

Council confirms Playzones investment

An investment of £300,000 into the development of PlayZones across Northumberland has been formally welcomed by the Council.  
 
PlayZones are outdoor spaces - often referred to as a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) which can be used for a range of sports and physical activities for all ages. 
 
The decision by the Council's Cabinet follows an extensive consultation exercise with community organisations and residents. Engagement was a key part of the project, helping to ensure the final design accommodates for sports and activities identified in the area, and addresses the needs of priority groups that face inequalities when accessing similar facilities.

The project, funded by Sport England via the Football Foundation, will now progress to the next stage, where work will begin on selected sites included in Phase One of the project.  
 
The council funding will be met by an additional £900,000 from alternate sources, covering 75% of the project’s cost. 
 
Phase One locations are Alnwick community centre; Hexham Priory School; Amble Welfare; Newbiggin MUGA (next to the sports centre and community hub); Westlea Football Field, Bedlington; Hirst Park, Ashington; and Eastwoods Park, West Wylam. 
 
Consultation for Phase Two will start shortly for sites in Haltwhistle, Seaton Valley, Berwick, Cramlington, Wooler, East Bedlington, Blyth, Lynemouth and Cleaswell Hill Park, Choppington. 
 
Northumberland’s PlayZones will be open for community use day and night, all year round, providing a safe and inclusive recreational space for everyone. By targeting priority groups, the project aims to reduce inequalities in participation while embedding behaviour change that will lead to improved and sustained physical activity habits. 
 
County Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet member for Healthy Lives, said: “We are very happy to confirm funding for the PlayZones project. 
“Council staff have worked hard to make the consultation process as broad as possible, and the response we have seen from our communities has been fantastic. Their contributions have been vital in shaping the facilities to fit the needs of their communities. 
 
I am particularly proud of the work this project is doing to address the needs of our priority groups. Access to sports and wellbeing facilities is a crucial factor in improving the health outcomes for our residents. The opportunities they offer for safe inclusive physical activity are endless.”  
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