There could soon be a new play area and park in Newcastle.
Newcastle Councillor Willie Clarke (Sinn Féin) has welcomed the appointment of Otium Leisure Consultancy, to carry out a feasibility study on land on the Castlewellan Road, that is in the ownership of APEX Housing Association and the NI Housing Executive. Cllr Clarke said: “Previously I have received correspondence from these housing providers that in principle they are willing to lease the lands to Council for community use.
“The Burren Meadow Resident’s Group and I met with Siobhan Poulter from Otium Leisure consultancy to discuss the potential for the land and set out the Vision for an inclusive environmentally friendly park for the local community.
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Cllr Willie Clarke supports the development of a park and play area for residents in the Castlewellan Road area of Newcastle.[/caption]
“At the meeting I emphasised the need to form a collective incorporating the community, voluntary, sectors and all the statutory organisations to develop and manage play/recreation provision on this open space.
On the Castlewellan Road we have major residential developments including Burren Meadow, Burrendale Park area, Ballaghbeg/ Ardkeel park, Burren View Court/Way, Bernagh Green, Dunwellan Park and the Castlewellan Road,where we have by far the largest concentration of children and young teenagers in the town. But they have very little play or recreation facilities for them to avail of.”
Cllr Clarke added: “Any time I consult with residents in this area, the number one issue for families is the lack of facilities for their youngsters, there is wide recognition that the provision of much-needed facilities would improve the health and well-being of the community.
“The feasibility study will provide us with the opportunity to apply for grants for community/social infrastructure including the Space and Place consortium (Big Lottery funding). While there is a real need to have green space for young people to play, the untapped land can be properly managed to possibly include a community garden, (working in partnership with the Kairos centre allotments project), sports area, and a play area, in my opinion we have an opportunity to develop a project to turn a derelict area into a people’s park which could include cycle paths and walkways where people can meet and enjoy their local space.”
“A public consultation event is being undertaken by Otium Leisure Consultants, and this consultation is being held in the Kairos Centre, Newcastle on Monday 2 February at 7pm. I would urge everyone to get involved, It provides an important opportunity for local people to have their say into what sort of facilities are needed in their community and show their support in helping realise these much needed amenities,” said Cllr Clarke.
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