Park project picks up pace at Ravenscraig
A new phase of work has commenced on the £3.7m Ravenscraig Urban Park project, which is due to open in autumn next year.
Features of the completed park, located to the south of Ravenscraig Regional Sports Centre, will include a multi-use sports pitch, play facilities for children, walking and cycling routes, an outdoor gym and seating areas.
And councillors representing the Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig are delighted with the progress.
Nathan Wilson (Conservative) recently visited the site and has been in contact with the council over the timescales for the project.
He said: “The urban park is one of the most exciting projects contributing towards the re-development of Ravenscraig and it will be a magnificent asset for local people once complete.
“I was very impressed with the plans upon viewing them last year and after meeting with stakeholders at a consultation event in Ravenscraig.
“The urban park will offer excellent outdoor leisure and recreational opportunities and add to what is already available at the nearby sports centre.
“Much is rightly said these days about the importance of maintaining active lifestyles and the facility will certainly allow for just that.
“The council have confirmed with me that the next phase of the project has now commenced following completion of the ground works over the summer and it is hoped that the urban park will be ready by the autumn of 2020.
“I very much look forward to the park opening.”
Fellow councillor Agnes Magowan (SNP) added: “I view the health and wellbeing of my constituents and their participation in outdoor activities as crucial.
“The funding from the Scottish Government, the Scottish Green Network Trust and Sustrans to develop this facility shows their commitment to improving the general health of the population and especially mental health. Doctors prescribe physical activity and it is amazing to see the Scottish Government fully supporting this initiative.”
Kenneth Duffy (Labour) commented: “It’s wonderful to see the next phase of the Ravenscraig park take shape.
“I was delighted to steer this £3.7 million investment through as chair of Motherwell Locality Partnership and I’m proud to be part of the Labour administration that is finally delivering on the regeneration of this iconic site.”
The £3.7 million project will transform the former steelworks site and includes a play area, sensory garden, visitor hub with a disabled toilet and changing facility, events area, a network of walking and cycling routes, a multi-sports pitch and an outdoor gym.
A feature path will be also be built, tracing the outline of the historic steel strip mill.
And the play area will include climbing walls, swings, trampolines, bouncing discs, a climbing tower, zip slide, talk tubes, balance beams and posts, incorporating accessible facilities for children and young people with mobility issues.