Play area work to begin on Swinburne playing fields
Work will begin on a new play area on the edge of Swinburne playing fields during the week starting 15 June. The play area is being provided as part of our £20 million regeneration of John Barker Place.
This exciting new development will see 83 new homes and shops built on the existing play area at the corner of John Barker Place and Mattocke Road. The new play area will have modern equipment and wheelchair accessible facilities for all ages. Planning permission for the homes, shops and play area was granted by North Hertfordshire District Council in January this year, with one of the conditions of the planning permission being that the new play area must be completed before building work begins on the shops and homes.
The installation of the new play equipment will take around six weeks and contractor, Playground Facilities, will follow the latest government guidance at all times while they build the play area.
settle chief executive, Gavin Cansfield said: “We remain committed to the redevelopment of John Barker Place and know how important this is to residents across the Westmill Community. I’m really pleased to see work begin on the new play area and that we’re on track to start building the new homes and shops later this year.”
North Hertfordshire District Council have provided almost £1.1 million towards the regeneration project.
Cllr Gary Grindal said: “It is wonderful news that work is to begin on building the play area at Swinbourne Playing Fields. This is a great example of how settle, NHDC and the community have worked together to improve life for local people. This project links into the Council’s priorities to support the development of good quality affordable homes, which includes supporting the development at John Barker Place in the Westmill area of Hitchin, one of our districts most deprived areas. Investing in communities is hugely important to us and I’m very pleased that the funding NHDC provided has helped our partners to provide something that will be enjoyed by children and families for years to come.”
