Improvement work to start on play area in Lache

Exciting improvements to the Sycamore Fields play area in Lache are planned to start in April this year.

The project has been made possible after significant funding was secured, totalling around £225,000, plus fees for project management, from the Council, developer contributions and several private trusts, including Ursula Keys Trust, Michie Family Charitable Trust and Chester Bluecoat Charity via a Spacehive campaign led by Friends of Lache.

The new improved play area will consist of a larger fenced infant/junior play space, where the existing small play area is situated, and will include new and inclusive play equipment, a showpiece multi-climbing unit, seating, new landscaped areas and pathway improvements. The multi-games area and junior football goals and skateboard area are also retained.

The scheme, which is one of the four key projects which form the Lache Action plan is a result of community consultation has taken place over the last couple of years, led by the Council, which included presentations, public meetings and displays on emerging ideas.

Local primary schools and youth groups were engaged both to help identify key pieces of equipment and preferences – with children placing accessibility as one of the top priorities so that all children can play together.

The emerging design was supported by the national social enterprise Plan Inclusive Play Areas (PiPA) who helped advise on how best to incorporate inclusive play into the final design as well as by Cheshire Police and the Council’s Community Safety Wardens.

A contractor has now been appointed and work will begin in April 2024 and is scheduled to be completed before the school summer holidays.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Adam Langan said:

“The new expanded infant and junior play area, footpath improvements and links will provide the community with an updated, all-inclusive play facility at Sycamore Fields Park.  This is very exciting news for Lache and I can’t wait to see the impressive new play area take shape during the spring.

“I am really pleased we are able to start delivering against the Lache Action Plan which was endorsed by cabinet last year. This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when everyone works together to make a difference in communities.  A big thank you to everyone involved in this project.”

Libbie Stock, from the Friends of Lache, said:

“The Friends of Lache are really excited to see the piece of play equipment funded through Spacehive and the local community being installed in the park and providing a much-needed quality space to play for all children in Lache.​​​​​​

Pictured - Aerial photo of the current play area.