The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Syeda Khatun, officially opened the play area on Tuesday 13 August.
Children can now use the play area which includes a large climbing frame with a slide, a zipline, a seesaw, swings and a wheelchair carousel. Next to the play area, brand-new fitness equipment has also been installed. The innovative playground equipment caters to children of all ages with the fitness equipment being aimed at young people and adults wanting to keep fit.
The new play area is just one of the many improvements being made as part of the £2.5million Britannia Park Greenspace Improvements project. Work has included entrance improvements, widening the main entrance and driveway making access safer for pedestrians and drivers, provided an enlarged car park and constructed new footpaths to provide a perimeter route for park users.
Councillor, Suzanne Hartwell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community: “We know the previous play area was very popular with children but it was starting to show its age. We’ve invested £250,000 in new play equipment and we are sure children will love it and make full use of all the play area features.”
This summer, building work started on brand-new changing rooms which will provide four FA approved changing rooms and is set to become a key asset for future football activities.
Earlier this year, 15 new allotment plots were installed to provide a space for community members. Nine plots included raised beds specifically designed for those with limited mobility.
Councillor Peter Hughes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, said: “The improvements at Britannia Park are really starting to make a difference to the local community and our ambition of creating a multifunctional greenspace for all to enjoy is now taking shape. The play area is just one of the many improvements we are making to enhance the quality of life for our residents and I look forward to seeing other projects, such as the new changing rooms, completed over the coming months.”
The Britannia Park Greenspace Improvements project, funded by the Government Towns Fund Programme with co-funding from Sandwell Council, English Cricket Board and Tennis Lawn Association, is designed to improve the infrastructure, facilities and environmental quality of Britannia Park. The improvements will help promote and enable greater use for a variety of purposes and improve the health and wellbeing of residents across Rowley Regis.
Plans are underway to refurbish the existing skatepark. Scheduled for completion in Summer 2025, this refurbishment aims to create a modern, safe, and exciting space for skaters, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts.
