New Castleton play area to be ready next month

New Castleton play area to be ready next month

A new bespoke play area is coming to Castleton, featuring vibrant bicycle-themed graphics and multiple play features for younger children.

The play area’s bright, bold rubber flooring will be awash with colour, including visual graphics like the famous Tour De France yellow jersey, a large bike, and a bee nodding to Greater Manchester's Bee Network.

The equipment will include a sit-on crusader swing for six children, a multi-play unit with two slides, a seesaw, and an inclusive swing and roundabout for wheelchair users. Accessible wider paths and a custom-built totem pole sensory panel with bell chimes, funded by the council’s Rochdale South Township, will add unique touches.

Located on Manchester Road, the play area is adjacent to a new 80-space car park with free unlimited parking.

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for climate change and environment, said: “It’s wonderful to see that we are expanding our play facilities across the borough and this one in particular is something a bit different. 

“The range of facilities on offer is superb for our younger residents and I’m even more delighted that the play area can be reached easily through different modes of transport, including by bike, which is better still for our climate.”

Delivered by Wicksteed Ltd, the project has been made possible through funding from the council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM). It forms part of the council’s wider £4.4m regeneration of the area.

Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see this fantastic new outdoor space come to fruition as part of the wider package of investment into the area, made possible by the Castleton Bee Network programme. 

“Our children’s play areas are really important places, which are well used by local families, and I’m confident this one will be very popular with the Castleton community.”

Work on the play area began on Thursday 11 July 2024, and is set to be completed by mid-August, just in time for the school holidays.

An official park open day will take place in September with Your Trust, where families across the borough can enjoy various activities, including balance bikes, a family-led ride, games, and more.