£1.5 million for city playgrounds and green spaces

Available for over a year

Playgrounds and community spaces across Leicester are getting a major upgrade thanks to a £1.5 million government grant. Leicester City Council has been awarded £1.5 million from the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund to refurbish and enhance 14 outdoor community spaces across the city. The new investment will see equipment completely overhauled on ten neighbourhood parks and play areas. These areas include: Loughborough Road play area, Thomasson Road playground, Appleton Park; Glovers Walk in Beaumont Leys; Windmill Park on Keyham Lane; Kingfisher Youth Centre in Saffron; Rushey Fields; St Helen’s Close; Stoughton Street; and the toddlers’ play area at Western Park. Completion is expected by Spring 2027. There are also major improvements planned for the play area in Abbey Park, which will see its existing play equipment completely overhauled and a new, large-scale multi-play unit installed, along with new landscaping. The government funding will also support the creation of space for community food growing in New Parks and Saffron. Work at the Loughborough Road play area is already completed. Here's how local residents have reacted. Reporter: Chance Litchfield Image: Getty Images