Work starting on exciting community PlayZone for Newbiggin
08 Jul 2025
Work is starting this week on the construction of a new PlayZone in Newbiggin which will be used for a range of sport and physical activities.
The PlayZone will be situated adjacent to the Newbiggin Sports Centre and Community hub and will take around 12 weeks to complete. The community hub, sports centre and skate park will remain open as usual while the work is taking place.
The new facility will have an all-weather playing surface, fencing and floodlighting to provide a safe, outdoor recreational space that can be used throughout the year.
The PlayZone is being funded with a grant funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. The council is also contributing approximately £59,000 to the Newbiggin scheme and money has also come from a S106 planning contribution.
The facility will be owned and managed by Newbiggin Town Council.
Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said:
" We are extremely grateful to Newbiggin Town Council who have worked in partnership with our Sports Development Team. They have been enthusiastic, hard-working and supportive of the scheme and have agreed to take on the running and management of the PlayZone for the local community..
“The county council is busy constructing a number of PlayZones right around the county to help more people of all ages to become active in their own community. Some have already opened, and they are providing really popular, offering a great place for family and friends to meet, to be active and have fun which is so good for everyone’s mental and physical health.”
“I am sure the Newbiggin PlayZone will be a popular addition to the local community and its location next to the sports centre and community hub is ideal.”
Cllr Gwen Woodman, Mayor of Newbiggin by the Sea said:
"The redevelopment of this area is an exciting opportunity, a project that will create a vibrant, safe, and inclusive space for the whole community – a place for all ages to enjoy. This PlayZone will encourage health, social connection, and outdoor fun for generations to come. It is a fantastic investment for Newbiggin by the Sea, bringing people together in such a positive way. My thanks go to everyone involved in bringing this fantastic initiative to life and making this vision a reality."
Local ward councillor Ben Audsley added:
“It’s fantastic that work is now starting, and I’d like to thank all those involved in making it happen. The PlayZone is going to be a great space and accessible for all local residents of all ages.”