Children in Sherwood to design a play area paradise

CHILDREN and teenagers from Sherwood have been asked to design their ideal play area as part of the estate's development.

Eighteen youngsters from the estate took on the role of designers at a consultation event on October 20 to tell developers what they wanted to see.

They gathered at TN2 Community Centre to meet designers and architects involved with planning the Sherwood redevelopment and have their say on what a proposed neighbourhood park should include.

The park is part of the second phase of the £34 million redevelopment of Sherwood, which includes 257 new homes and a community square.

Mum Vikkie France of Laurel Road took her five-year-old daughter along to the consultation.

The 26-year-old said: "It's good that the children get to have some input and the people building the park will have more of an idea what they like."

Children chose which items of play equipment they wanted and where they wanted it in the park – using a scale model. They could also make their own models of equipment out of Plasticine or draw their play area ideas.

Town and Country Housing Group made a pledge to involve local people in every aspect of the regeneration project and this was the second event to discuss the next phase of the development.

The first phase began last month with the demolition of flats in Kemble Close. Phases two and three include the demolition of flats in Silwood Close and plans to move three shops in Greggswood Road. Town and Country's head of new initiatives and regeneration, Tim Warren, said: "This neighbourhood park will be a great asset to Sherwood and the young people in the area, which is why it was so important we asked them what they wanted to see.

"We had young people of all ages at the consultation, and they loved modelling the park to their own taste."

The housing organisation is developing the area alongside Hill Partnerships.

On December 1 residents are invited to another public consultation event at TN2 Community Centre.