The George Street facility includes an accessible roundabout, swings, climbing net and cable runway as well as seating and a picnic table, and is already proving popular with local children.

A need for modern play facilities in the area was identified through our participatory budgeting initiative, which involves residents in decision-making about their community.

Our Community Partnership Team worked with the regeneration group to raise £103,000 to build the play area with  contributions accessed from the council’s Local Development Programme, the Scottish Government Playpark Renewal Fund, the National Lottery and FCC Communities Foundation, which supports community projects through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

Children from Glencairn, Knowetop and Firpark Primary Schools joined representatives from the regeneration group, local elected members and council officers to officially open the play area.

“This facility is a great example of what we can be achieve when the council works in partnership with communities to address local concerns,” said Provost Agnes Magowan. “George Street Regeneration Group has worked tirelessly to help make this project happen and we are all delighted to see so many young people playing in a brand new facility.”

Richard Smith, FCC Communities Foundation Grant Manager, said:  “It’s wonderful to see something we have helped fund finally open and ready to make such a difference to children in Motherwell. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”