Contractor appointed for £2.3million upgrade of playparks

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3 people standing in front of play equipment in a playpark.
(L-R) Richard Stuart, Manging Director of Garden Escapes Ltd; Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Cllr Mary O'Dowd; Claire Duddy, Head of Climate, Sustainability & Parks, ABC Council.

A major programme of works to upgrade playpark facilities across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough, has taken another significant step forward with the appointment of the main contractor.

Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary O’Dowd joined with Council officers and Richard Stuart from Garden Escapes Ltd who will deliver the extensive £2.3million investment from ABC Council, which will see the refurbishment of 12 playparks and development of 5 new playparks over the next two years.

The Lord Mayor said: “This is a very important investment by the Council, which will deliver real and tangible benefits to children and young families right across this borough.

“Play is essential to children’s development and I am delighted that the Council is making this major commitment to the next generation. Our children are our future and our playparks are vital community spaces that must be cherished.”

It is expected that work will start later this year at the first three playparks on the programme; Abercorn Park and Pinebank playparks in Craigavon and Huntly playpark in Banbridge.

Over the coming weeks, Council will engage directly with local communities and stakeholders on the upgrade plans for each of the playparks.

The Capital Play Development Programme is expected to be completed over a two-year period from 2026-2028.

Further details on the upgrade of the playparks will be released as the programme of works progresses.