Unveiling of new playground in Wellingborough estate hoping to make 'positive contribution' to community
A new community park in Burns Road, Wellingborough has been unveiled and opened for public use.
The space, which is aimed at children between two and 12-years-old includes a hawks nest climbing feature, sea monster, bee springy and activity board, all in playful colours to help ‘brighten up the space.’
The ribbon was cut on Thursday (November 6) at the newly-named ‘Burns Road Community Hub’ on Wellingborough’s Queensway estate.
John Ross, head of housing and neighbourhoods at Greatwell Homes, said: “I’m delighted this project can officially be opened to the public in what I’m sure will make a positive contribution to this community and its environment.
"All materials have been selected for their sustainable qualities, and the new trees, wildflowers and planters will provide shelter and food for many types of wildlife in the area.
“We could not have completed this project without the support of Groundwork Northants, HMP Five Wells, Intercounty and the Wellingborough Live team who provided invaluable guidance and direction, supplied the equipment and assisted in the construction of the area.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to creating great communities where people live well and we are looking forward to this new community hub being used by local residents.”
The playground is designed with sustainability in mind, with many of the surrounding benches, picket fencing, planters, as well as most of the play equipment being made from timber. A range of freshly-planted trees, raised planters and ‘butterfly banks’ have also been installed, which will blossom in the spring and summer months.
The opening was attended by Kayleigh Dalton, operations manager for the Lion Academy Trust, which oversees local schools Olympic Primary, Warwick Academy and Ruskin Academy.
She said: “It’s giving kids more experiences, it’s helping them with their skills, is helping the local area and helps them with their socialisation.
"It’s good to know there’s activities and things for them to do and places for them to go.”
Plans for the Burns Road Community Hub were approved in summer 2024, with the project being part of Greatwell Homes’ Your Great Spaces project, which also includes other local projects including a new communal garden in Victoria Close, Earls Barton and a new sensory garden at Wrenn School.
In a speech given before the ribbon was cut, Jo Savage, Greatwell Homes’ chief executive, said: “The transformation of this area is something we can all be proud of.
"Al the people around here felt this community area and planters would be the best idea for this space.
“It’s been a bit of a labour of love to get here today, a few of us wear the scars of it, but we’re here and it’s fantastic. The outcome is really worthwhile.
"I’m so chuffed to be standing here and what I’m hoping is that I’ll drive past when the weather is a bit better and I’m going to see this area being used to its full capacity.”