Work has begun on a major overhaul of playing fields in Bilston following a community consultation. City of Wolverhampton Council and developers Haystoun Construction Limited have started work on transforming Prouds Lane Playing Fields.
Improvements will include a new children’s play area with inclusive equipment to enable children of all ages and abilities to play together. Existing football pitches will be renovated and outdoor gym equipment will be installed to help local people boost their fitness levels.
To allow residents to enjoy the fields through the year, new hard-surfaced perimeter footpaths will be created and new benches and litter bins will be installed. New railings will replace the old and tired perimeter fencing and specially designed control barriers to combat motorcycle access will be installed. The barriers will be designed to allow access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.
Fresh tree planting will also be carried out as well as a number of landscaping improvements to improve site security. The newly revamped space is due to open in time for the summer. Prouds Lane Playing Fields have been in need of refurbishment for some time and following a public consultation in 2019, residents gave their support to plans to revamp the site.
Limited funds were available and residents were initially asked to prioritise elements of the plan. However, following further contributions from Public Health and local developers under a Section 106 Planning Agreement, the full list of improvements can now be made.
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city environment and climate change, said: “I am delighted to see that work has started on revamping Prouds Lane Playing Fields. There are a lot of significant improvements planned and we’re really looking forward to delivering this great range of new attractions and refurbishments for local people to enjoy.”
Cabinet member for adult services and Bilston North ward councillor, Cllr Linda Leach, said: “This project has been close to my heart, and we have worked very hard to make sure all of the residents’ priorities have been met.
“It will be great to see Prouds Lane Playing Fields come to life and be used by all the whole community. I hope many local people will enjoy the fields when they are fully transformed – I am looking forward to seeing you there!”