Plans for Seaburn play park approved

PLANS to develop a new outdoor children's play park with input from Seaburn schoolchildren have been approved by Sunderland City Council's planning committee.

Sunderland City Council's Full Cabinet voted in favour of plans for a new play park near to the former Pirate Play Park site last year, and on 5 February 2024 the proposal was approved by planning committee.

Located just off Dykelands Road and Lowry Road, the park will include play mounds, sand pits and planted areas, as well as traditional play features such as swings, slides and roundabouts, tall towers, climbing boulders, bridges, and aerial walkways.

In-line with the Council's ambition to 'make the city's playparks more inclusive', it will also include bespoke play equipment for those with accessibility challenges, ensuring as many families as possible can enjoy the facilities.

The construction of the play park is expected to begin in mid-February ahead of its opening in early Summer.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for dynamic city at Sunderland City Council, said: "We are thrilled that positive steps are being taken to move forward with the plans for the new play park at Seaburn.

"Our seafront has benefited from millions of pounds of investment over recent years, and this is yet another development which will add to its ever-growing list of new additions.

"With a diverse range of restaurants and bars, the award-winning beaches and green spaces to stroll, there really is something for everyone at Seaburn and this new play park will only enhance its offering."

To involve the local community on this project, Sunderland City Council challenged pupils from Seaburn Dene Primary School to come up with original ideas that would create an imaginative and stand-out play area for families to enjoy.

After an influx of fantastic designs made by the schoolchildren of Seaburn Dene Primary School, the overall winner of the competition was awarded to brother and sister duo, Sophia Nixon, aged nine, and Henry Nixon, aged four.

The standout design was a 3D model created by the Nixon's which included a zip wire, a netted climbing area, and a lighthouse slide that would provide sea views from the top.

Mr John Howe, head teacher at Seaburn Dene Primary School, said: "The children loved getting involved with this community project, it really allowed them to use their creativity and imagination to work up their dream play park.

"We're delighted to hear that this will now become a reality and given how close we are to the site, I'm sure our children will be among the first children down there once it officially opens."

Cllr Johnston added: "Involving the schoolchildren in influencing the design of the new play park has been great as it has really helped build excitement around the project and we can't wait to see the looks on their faces when it comes to fruition."

For more information on Sunderland City Council, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/