Opening date set for Malvern Priory Park's new play area

Work has been ongoing since the start of the new year revamping the play area, which is a £500,000 project by Malvern Hills District Council.

Now, with most of the finishing touches being applied, the council has shared when it hopes the play area will finally open.

The new play park is expected to open to the public on April 15 with a formal opening event on May 2.

The play area in Priory Park is undergoing a £500,000 refurb, with all new play equipment and features being installed.

When finished, the play area will include natural boulders, hobbit holes, a hollow tree trunk, rope bridge, basket swing and a giant dragonfly.

The project has been a long time in the making, with several years of discussions into updating it.

A consultation as far back as 2016 revealed the need for a more modern and more inspiring play area was needed.

READY: The new play area at Priory Park

When completed, the play area will include natural boulders, hobbit holes, a hollow tree trunk, rope bridge, basket swing and a giant dragonfly.

The council is working with Avery Landscapes Ltd for the project, which will include sustainable timber, planting and materials to give the park a more rustic feel.

It also said care has been taken to ensure no damage will occur to the existing tree roots in that side of the park.

The play area replacement is part of the wider improvement plan for Priory Park which includes refurbishment to the shelters, desilting the upper pond and more.

NEW: The new play area at Priory Park

The proposed revamp has been in the works for a number of years, with plans being published in 2016 and 2019.

In 2016 more than 440 people responded to a public consultation on the future of the play area with a third rating it as poor to very poor and two thirds branding it too small.

Plans were initially revealed for the new play area back in November last year.