By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Nottingham City Council is to spend more than £180,000 on improving playgrounds in some of the most deprived wards in the area.
The money is coming from Section 106 contributions – which is money handed to the council by developers to contribute to community facilities.
Funding has been confirmed to replace “aging and update existing play areas” at Arkwright Park Play Area in The Meadows and two additional bids have been submitted for Moor Road Play Area in Bestwood Village and Marmion Park Play Area in St Ann’s.
A decision on these two play areas will be confirmed in June 2022.
Plans for Arkwright Park Play Area include a complete refurbishment of “a very old and dated play area to create a new and exciting play space for the local community.”
Moor Road Play Area will also have same refurbishment plan as Arkwright Park Play Area while Marmion Park will have the existing play area refurbished and fitness equipment installed.
The Labour-run authority rubber stamped funds to the tune of £180,212.50 as part of a delegated decision on May 27, which means it took place outside of a council meeting.
The council says not to utilise these funds to replace these play areas has been rejected as there is no other funding available to replace these facilities.
If the Section 106 funding, which has been approved, is not used for the purposes detailed within five years of receipt it could be reclaimed by the developers.
Existing revenue contributions are available to ensure routine maintenance and safety checks are carried out following the improvements.
The council said: “The new play and outdoor gym facilities will encourage children and families to play outside and enjoy active play and exercise. In doing so the new facilities will contribute towards improving the health and well-being of the local communities.”
