Work set to get underway on new play area at Magdalen Recreation Ground in Gorleston

Work is set to start next month on creating a new play area at Magdalen Recreation Ground in Gorleston.

The family-friendly facilities have been commissioned by Great Yarmouth Borough Council following the closure of Beacon Park play area as part of the work taking place for the new James Paget University Hospital.

The play area - which is off Edinburgh Avenue - is designed to be fully inclusive and will feature a new skatepark, multi-use games area (MUGA) and outdoor gym equipment as well as traditional play equipment.

Subject to the weather, the site is planned to be open by the end of December and the work is being carried out by Wicksteed Leisure Ltd in collaboration with Canvas Skate following a procurement process by the council.

Councillor Graham Plant, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Operational Property and Asset Management, said: ''The new play area is a fantastic new addition for families in the area and will really enhance the park and make it more welcoming for everyone.

''As part of the commissioning the work we wanted to ensure the play area was fully inclusive so everyone can enjoy the new facilities.

''We know people were disappointed to lose the Beacon Park play area, but its clearance was essential as part of the hugely important work to build a new James Paget University Hospital for the community.

''Ward councillors - Brian Pilkington, Alison Green and Trevor Wainwright - were instrumental in pushing for a new play area and hopefully it will provide somewhere everyone can enjoy for many years to come.''  

The council said it will be reusing the benches from Beacon Park in the new play area and the existing MUGA is in storage and will hopefully be re-used elsewhere in the borough subject to funding.