New community garden and play area taking shape at popular leisure centre

A new community garden and play area are starting to blossom at a popular local leisure centre.

The transformation, led by Festival Stoke, is taking root at the Wallace Sport and Education Centre in Abbey Hulton. It will provide a new community garden and play area for children, young people and families to enjoy.

The community-led organisation - that aims to bring positive change into the community through hands-on arts activities – is designing and creating the welcoming new space.

The project is funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), distributed by the city council. It is part of wider efforts to improve outdoor spaces and create better opportunities for young people across the city.

Work at the site is progressing well, with the initial phase of planters and seating already completed - significantly sprucing up the area.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Investing in our community's green spaces and facilities for young people is one of our top priorities. The Wallace Centre's new garden and play area, will create a space where local families can spend time, relax and play.

“Thanks to UKSPF funding, this is another positive step in making Stoke-on-Trent a happier, healthier place for children and young people to grow up.”

Anne Kinniard, artist at Festival Stoke, said: “Having installed and planted up a seating area outside the sports centre, my colleague Rachel Ballard and I are excited to work with the local community and Carmountside Primary Academy to build and create a family friendly garden with play and sensory elements.”