Play area improvements approved next to new estate in Wolverhampton
A new all-weather five-a-side pitch and revamped playing area are set to be built at a park in Wolverhampton.
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The plans for Northwood Park in Bushbury, Wolverhampton, include a new multi-use games area for football and cricket, and the green space’s existing children’s play area will be upgraded with new equipment.
The multi-use games area, which will include facilities for five-a-side football, basketball and cricket, would be built next to the park’s existing skate park and basketball court and on grass used for ‘informal’ football games.
The ten new pieces of equipment include slides, swings, a seesaw and a roundabout. More than 40 new trees would also be planted.
The application was approved by planners at City of Wolverhampton Council this week.
The new and improved equipment will serve those in the new homes being built on the site of the former Northicote School.
The new 178-home estate, called Hampton Park, after the now demolished school’s former headteacher Sir Geoff Hampton. Work began building the homes in 2022.
A statement included with the City of Wolverhampton Council’s application said: “The new [play area] will improve provision for informal football, which is currently on a grass pitch, provide a practice area for cricket and a flat surface for other informal sports.
“The existing children’s area will be levelled, and new play equipment will be provided to enhance its use. Additional tree planting is to be provided to enhance the biodiversity value of this park.
“The site for these improvements is within an existing public park and will increase the capacity for recreation within the park, which is adjacent to a new housing development.”
The external views of the new [multi-use play area] and the children’s play area will be either filtered or screened by the existing trees and shrubs and hedges.
“Their [appearance] will be appropriate to and in sympathy with the other features in this public park. The surfacing materials and fencing to be used are appropriate for use in this urban location with a balance between appearance, function and durability.”
