The official opening of Cobbler’s Hall Play Area took place on Friday 3rd August.
The new, much-anticipated, £150,000 project, which includes a substantial play area and Multi-Use Games Area, was delivered by Great Aycliffe Town Council, with financial support from Durham County Council.
Great Aycliffe Town Council entered into an agreement with Durham County Council to adopt the County Council’s existing small play area and redevelop it into a highly-valued play facility for residents.
The project was funded by £20,000 from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership Area Budget, a further £45,000 from Durham County Councillors’ Neighbourhood Budgets and £15,000 from Durham County Council’s Delivering Differently fund. This was match-funded by Great Aycliffe Town Council, with an initial £75,000 capital investment. The Town Council also provided bins and seats and will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and supervision.
Present for the opening were Sue Cooke (Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership Vice Chair), Mike Dixon (former DCC Councillor), the Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Cllr Jed Hillary (Chairman of Great Aycliffe Town Council Recreation Committee), Cllr John Clare (DCC Councillor) , and Cllr Brian Hall (Vice Chairman of Great Aycliffe Town Council Recreation Committee).
Extensive consultation took place with residents regarding the chosen play scheme, which was provided by Kompan.
The new play area is already proving to be very popular with local families. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Cllr John Clark said ‘It’s great to see this new project being so well received by local families, all the equipment looks fantastic’ it’s another brilliant asset for the people of the town to enjoy’.
