Upgraded play and social spaces on the way for Middlegate

The £860,000 scheme will see the creation of a new Middlegate Gardens area with communal green space for residents of neighbouring homes; three upgraded play areas, including some accessible play equipment; and a new trim trail.

The work is being funded by the Government's Estate Regeneration Fund following a successful bid by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and is expected to complete in October.

The scheme began with the removal of a fenced games area off King Street, known as a multi-use games area or MUGA, that residents have reported as being a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

This now vacant area will be joined up with several small fenced-off outside spaces to be turned into a single large communal garden, after residents agreed to proposals to share the space.  It will also get new trees, fencing, and lighting.

Two play areas at Clarendon Close and a play area at Dorset Close will all get new play equipment made with natural materials, and new seating and lighting. The revamped areas will feature a range of play equipment, mostly made of wood and other natural materials.

The final strand of the scheme will create a new physical activity trail of outdoor gym and play equipment on a grass area on the east side of Tolhouse Street, between Nottingham Way and Sackville Close.

Cllr Andy Grant, chair of the housing and neighbourhood committee, said: "This is an ambitious scheme and it is really great to see local residents coming together to help the Council create a large shared area for play and socialising.

"The upgraded play areas and improved lighting and security features will really make a difference to the area, and help people enjoy their local areas all the more."

Residents can visit the Council's website at great-yarmouth.gov.uk/middlegate-regeneration to keep up to date on the planned work and updated information on access and bin collection arrangements during the project.