Work begins on flagship £300,000 urban park project

Cheshire East Council is to start work on a flagship £300,000 urban park project.

The mixed play and green space scheme at Middlewich’s Fountain Fields park will include a new adult gym, redesigned play area, sensory garden and improved footpaths and seating areas.

The work, undertaken by the council’s wholly-owned, arms-length company Ansa Environmental Services, starts on Monday 4 June and will take about 10 weeks to complete. The Park will be closed while the extensive revamp is undertaken.

Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment, said: “This scheme is fantastic news for residents and visitors to Middlewich. It will be a great park for the whole community to be proud of and share in.

“This project is another example of the council listening to residents and working with local partners to deliver for the local community. I would also like to thank people for their patience and understanding while these extensive works are under way.”  

Fountain Fields is located off Queen Street in Middlewich town centre. The park is a well-used, flagship green space which is to get a new mix of play equipment and facilities.

In 2012, Cheshire East Council, Ansa, Middlewich Town Council and Middlewich Vision created a partnership with the aim of prioritising and coordinating maintenance and improvement of the town’s parks and play areas.

One of the outcomes was recognition of the need for substantial investment in Fountain Fields – so local residents were consulted to ask what they wanted to see in their park. The recent consultation showed there was significant support for a full park redevelopment focussed on creating an open space that can be used by all and takes inspiration from the heritage of Middlewich, including a canal narrow boat-themed imaginative play installation.

Ansa commissioned Wicksteed Playgrounds to provide a design for the park and manufacture the new equipment to be installed.

The extent of the work requires the park to be closed for the duration. Information about the park closure and planned improvement works will be made available on Cheshire East Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and via social media. Information signs will also be displayed on site.

An official opening event will be held after the work is completed. Details will be   available nearer the time.

The project has been funded via Section 106 capital funds for infrastructure as well as Cheshire East’s Council’s parks development fund.