Work on a new play area in Stevenage Town Centre Gardens is well under way.

Stevenage Borough Council closed the existing play area in summer 2022 due to the deterioration of the safety surfacing around the play equipment.

Now, a new play area next to the existing site is taking shape, after the council allocated £250,000 to the project.

The old play area has been dismantled and the site cleared.The old play area has been dismantled and the site cleared. (Image: Louise McEvoy) The new play area is set to include a group swing, activity trail, trampoline, an inclusive roundabout, and a bespoke pirate ship.

The local authority has previously said it "worked closely with inclusive groups and Make Space for Girls in the design process to ensure that the refurbished play area can be used by children of all abilities, aged up to 11".

The new play area is due to open by the end of January.The new play area is due to open by the end of January. (Image: Louise McEvoy) The council has also worked with residents, and children at Broom Barns School in Stevenage, who were asked to choose their top five items of equipment they most wanted to see at the site.

The new play area is due to be completed by the end of January.