A play and fitness facility for people of all ages is being planned at Beacon Lane in Cramlington, Northumberland. More than £521,000 has been earmarked for this ambitious scheme which will see the redevelopment of a run down play area to create an exciting new facility for the local community.

Proposals include an innovative natural play facility with a tree house and climbing walkways integrated into the tree canopy, sand play, a multi-use games area providing opportunities for basketball and football as well as fitness equipment and climbing boulders to encourage the whole community to become more active. The scheme also includes new seating, lighting and planting.

The project, which is being developed in partnership with Northumberland County Council, has involved wide consultation with local stakeholders. The Green Spaces team has worked with pupils at Beacon Lane Community Primary on the design of a play area while youth engagement specialists, Groundwork North East (Northumberland) and Doxford Youth Project have consulted young people on plans for the multi-use games area. A range of community events and exhibitions have also taken place to give residents the opportunity to influence the proposals.

The Beacon Lane neighbourhood comprises 328 homes for affordable rent, owned and managed by Places for People. It was established as part of the Cramlington new town in the mid 1970s to provide affordable housing to people working in local industries. Beacon Lane was selected by the Green Spaces project because of the lack of recreational facilities in the area.

With a further 2,500 homes within walking distance of the site, it is hoped that the new space will provide an important facility for the wider community to enjoy.