We’re helping to bring joy to playtime at St Mary’s Churchdown. Thanks to a community partnership between Newland Homes, the Friends of St Mary’s PTA and Churchdown Parish Council, playtime just got a major upgrade at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Churchdown.
Together, we’ve transformed a tired play area into a vibrant new space for outdoor adventure and fun.
Brand new games area for all weather play
The initiative replaced equipment that was obsolete and beyond repair, giving the circa 220 pupils a brand-new games area for all weather play. In addition a large trim trail and slide were also provided. Children have watched eagerly as the new play area has taken shape. They could hardly contain their excitement as the area was officially classed as open this week.
The children were bursting with ideas!
As part of the design process, we helped facilitate consultation sessions with pupils to find out what they wanted the most from the new facilities. Catherine Sheppard, Planning Manager at Newland Homes explains: “The children were bursting with ideas! Sliding, swinging, climbing, balancing, playing team sports: you name it, they wanted it! It’s incredibly rewarding to have helped bring those ideas to life and to hear their laughter as they make the most of their new play facilities.”
Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Liam Jordan, added: “Outdoor play is vital to help children burn off energy, improve concentration and learn how to take measured risks. We’re lucky to have plenty of green space here at St Mary’s, and this new play area is the icing on the cake. We’ve even built it with room to expand, so we can add to it if we secure more funding in the future.”
He continues: “We’re very fortunate to have such supportive friends and neighbours who have helped make the dream a reality.”
“Projects like this show what can be achieved when the community pulls together”
Father Paul Brandon lead a blessing for the new play area, attended by the pupils, Newland Homes, the Friends of St Mary’s PTA and local Parish and Borough councillor, Mary Jordan. “Projects like this show what can be achieved when the community pulls together,” said Mary. “It’s a brilliant example of partnership in action.”
Commitment to supporting the communities in which we build
The project reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities in which we build. The company’s latest development on Cheltenham Road East in Churchdown is underway. This development will deliver 145 zero carbon homes powered by renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. The first homes will be released for sale later this year. With homes ranging in size from one bedroom through to five bedrooms. In addition, 51 of the 145 new homes will be affordable homes.
Almost 50% of the development will become public open space. This will include a meandering play area, meadow area and woodland planting for all to enjoy. Proposed landscaping enhancements will provide fantastic ecology and wildlife benefits. This means that the natural environment will be measurably improved from its current state.
Pupils were asked to suggest themes for the street names
As part of our ongoing relationship with St Mary’s school, we asked the pupils to suggest themes for the street names within the new development. This resulted in some excellent and original ideas.
Newland Homes is building zero carbon homes across the South West in Wiltshire, North Somerset, Bristol and Gloucestershire. To find out more about the new zero carbon homes in Churchdown, please click here or follow @newlandhomes on socials.
Newland Homes Limited is a property developer registered in England and Wales number 2582221.
Registered office: Brighouse Court, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RT.
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