£1.8m investment to deliver better parks and play areas across Newcastle-under-Lyme
Families and communities are set to benefit from more than £1.8 million of investment in parks, playgrounds and green spaces as the Borough Council delivers on its promise to put local people first.
From modern playground equipment and improved footpaths to new pump tracks and recreational facilities, the investment will help transform community spaces across the Borough over the next five years.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is using £1,845,369 secured from housing developers into around a dozen improvement projects, ensuring that communities benefit from development taking place in their area.
The investment forms part of the Council's new 2026–2030 Council Plan, Building a Better Borough, which puts clean, well-maintained neighbourhoods, strong communities and visible improvements for residents at the heart of its priorities.
Work is already progressing on improvements at Lyme Valley Park, Chesterton Park and Bradwell Dingle, with further investment planned in communities including Loggerheads, Betley, Audley, Madeley and Alsagers Bank.
The projects will deliver better places for children to play, families to spend time together and residents of all ages to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles.
Councillor Andrew Fisher, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Neighbourhoods, said:
We have been clear from day one that local people must come first, and that means investing in the things that make a real difference to their everyday lives.
We are making sure that money secured from developers is put to good use, improving the parks, playgrounds and community spaces that residents and families rely upon.
Whether that means new play equipment for children, safer footpaths or better recreational facilities, our focus is on practical improvements that people can actually see, use and enjoy.
This is about more than maintaining what we already have. It is about raising standards, strengthening our communities and ensuring Newcastle-under-Lyme remains a Borough people are proud to call home."
The investment is being funded through Section 106 agreements, which secure financial contributions from developers towards local infrastructure and community facilities. The authority is making use of this funding to improve existing Council-owned parks and green spaces, helping to keep additional ongoing costs to a minimum.
Among the proposals being considered by Cabinet this month is a £105,000 refurbishment of the playground at Hugo Way in Loggerheads, which was first built around 20 years ago. Residents will be consulted on the improvements they would like to see before the scheme goes out to tender, ensuring local families have a say in the future of their neighbourhood facilities.
Councillor Ben Simpson, Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Green Spaces, said:
Our administration is determined to restore pride in our Borough, and that starts with getting the basics right and looking after the places people use every day.
Too often, residents see new housing developments appearing without feeling that their own communities are getting anything back. We want to make sure that when development happens, local people see a genuine benefit.
That is why we are putting more than £1.8 million into better parks, improved playgrounds and community facilities across our towns and villages.
We want children to have great places to play, families to have attractive spaces to enjoy together, and residents of every generation to feel proud of their local area.”
The investment supports the Council's wider ambition to protect and enhance the character of its towns and villages, improving public spaces and ensuring resources are focused on delivering lasting benefits for residents.