The proposals for upgrading King George’s Play area in Framwellgate Moor have moved a step closer. I have been working with the Parish Council and Groundworks who are organising the project with St Aidans Girl’s and Lad’s Brigade.

Last week my request for £23,000 of s106 Money to be allocated to this project was agreed by planners. This money is from developers in the area who have to pay a levy towards recreation if they build new homes.

I have also put forward a request for £10,000 of Neighbourhood Funding (The money councillors get to spend in their area each year.) to be allocated to the project.

We must now wait to see if an application to the Lottery for the remaining money required will be successful. If you would like to see the provisional plan of what is being proposed, you can see it here: King George’s Field – Possible layout of new facilities

After Rev and I secured £25,000 of Urban Renaissance Grant Funding last year, I believe we are just a small step away now from fullfilling the dream of upgrading this site – which has been deteriorating for decades.

The entire scheme is costing over £100,000 with the Parish Council also contributing to the funding and agreeing to maintain the site which they own, afterwards.

It will include a newly resurfaced Tennis Court to Sport England Standards, A multi-games area for playing football, netball, basket ball and other sports, a variety of new play equipment including natural play and possibly an outdoor gym for parents and grandparents to enjoy, as well as improvements to the carpark surface and landscaping.

I will update when more information is available. If anyone has any comments they want to feed into the consultation process which is being carried out with youth groups in the area, please let me know.