Game on for Colshaw kids

Young people will continue to have their say on the development of a brand new games area for Colshaw Farm in Wilmslow, thanks to landlord Riverside, that owns over 500 properties on the estate.

Riverside has ploughed over £200,000 of Big Lottery Fund cash into a new multi use games area and BMX track, based on Peckforton playing fields. Work will start after Christmas with launch next summer, when a range of activities will be on offer for the opening week.

The social landlord commissioned Groundwork Cheshire as landscape consultant for the project, to be built on land owned by Cheshire East Council. Groundwork has been talking to residents and groups in the area since May to make sure that the space meets everyone’s needs.

And now that planning permission has been granted, Groundwork will continue to work with young people on the design and construction of the BMX track.

Paul Booth, Changing Spaces manager at Riverside said: “There are very few sports facilities in the area. Our tenants have been telling us for some time that they would like a play space on the estate – the Big Lottery Fund award means that we can meet their needs, with a state of the art outdoor games area, that will be floodlit to allow use into the evenings.”

Groundwork is planning a trip to the BMX bike track at Tipkinder in Crewe to offer young people from Colshaw the chance to work with professionals there and start thinking about the designs for their own track.

Fiona Cowley of Groundwork added: “We want local riders of all ages to use the BMX track and we would like to involve young people in the design phase.”

Clarke and Kent Contractors will be building the track. As BMX riders they have lots of experience in creating tracks for people with a range of abilities.

Fiona added: “Over the next few weeks we will be speaking to schools and youth groups to encourage their involvement.”

If you are interested in getting involved, or for more information contact Fiona on Fiona.cowley@groundwork.org.uk