Newcastle Labour is delivering £90,000 of investment to improve play provision for children and families in Benwell and Scotswood.
The council’s Labour-led Cabinet has approved a £1.5 million programme to create four flagship accessible play spaces and refurbish facilities in seven other neighbourhoods. Benwell and Scotswood is among the areas allocated £90,000, subject to technical checks during the design process.
Plans will focus on making play spaces safer, more engaging and accessible to children with different needs. The wider programme will use council estate-management funding alongside developer contributions through Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Local families, children and young people will be invited to influence the design. We will publish the confirmed site, consultation arrangements and works timetable when the council releases the detailed Benwell and Scotswood proposals.
The funding forms part of the £1.5 million programme approved by Newcastle’s Labour-led Cabinet to tackle gaps in local play provision and create more inclusive facilities. It is practical neighbourhood investment aimed at giving children free opportunities to be active, socialise and enjoy time outdoors close to home.
Labour representatives will work with families throughout the design process so that the money responds to local priorities. That means listening particularly to disabled children and their carers and ensuring accessibility is built into the project from the beginning.
Labour Councillor Susan Anthony said:
“This investment gives us an opportunity to improve free play provision for families in Benwell and Scotswood. The most important next step is for children, parents and carers to have a real say in the design, accessibility and equipment they want to see.”