Cheshire East Council is to start work on a flagship £300,000 urban park project in Middlewich.
The mixed play and green space scheme at Fountain Fields park will include a new adult gym, redesigned play area, sensory garden and improved footpaths and seating areas.
The work, being undertaken by the council’s wholly-owned, arms-length company Ansa Environmental Services, starts on Monday 4th June and will take about 10 weeks to complete.
The Park will be closed while the extensive revamp is undertaken.
Cllr Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment, said: “This scheme is fantastic news for residents and visitors to Middlewich. It will be a great park for the whole community to be proud of and share in.
“This project is another example of the council listening to residents and working with local partners to deliver for the local community.
“I would also like to thank people for their patience and understanding while these extensive works are under way.”
Fountain Fields is located off Queen Street in Middlewich town centre. The park is a well-used, flagship green space which is to get a new mix of play equipment and facilities.
In 2012, Cheshire East Council, Ansa, Middlewich Town Council and Middlewich Vision created a partnership with the aim of prioritising and coordinating maintenance and improvement of the town’s parks and play areas.
One of the outcomes was an acknowledgement of the need for substantial investment in Fountain Fields. Local residents were consulted on what they wanted to see in their park.
The consultation showed that there was significant support for a full redevelopment focussed on creating an open space that can be used by all.
The work will take inspiration from the heritage of Middlewich, including a canal narrow boat-themed imaginative play installation.
Ansa commissioned Wicksteed Playgrounds to provide a design for the park and to manufacture the new equipment which is to be installed.
The extent of the work requires the park to be closed for the duration.
Information about the park closure and planned improvement works will be made available on Cheshire East Council’s website and via social media. Information signs will also be displayed on site.
The project has been funded via Section 106 capital funds for infrastructure as well as Cheshire East’s Council’s parks development fund.
