PROPOSALS have been revealed to carry out a major £1.2 million overhaul of play areas in Christchurch to provide spaces for future generations to enjoy.

The “legacy” plans threaten the future of 11 sites across the borough, introducing seven new facilities and refurbishing a further eight.

Funding for the Christchurch Borough Council project would be obtained from finances previously allocated to schemes that are now unlikely to proceed and from revenue reserves.

The council says contract procurement for the work would be secured before April 2019 to ensure the scheme could be completed if Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) goes ahead.

A report to Tuesday’s full council meeting, where members will debate and decide whether to carry out the investment, says: “It is proposed to provide new or refurbished play facilities across the whole borough area (where sites already exist) and such facilities will be designed with a variety of play experiences in mind.

“We will give full consideration to any opportunity for elements of play equipment which are suitable for people with disabilities.

“Given that it is proposed to decommission some play facilities there is a risk of public concern at the perceived loss of facilities.

“This can be countered by ensuring community engagement in the development of new and refurbished facilities and the emphasis on the delivery of 15 new or refurbished facilities across the borough which will provide a richer play experience.”

If approved new facilities will be delivered at Endfield Road (cemetery), Rutland Road, Vetch Green, Mudeford Quay, Mudeford Recreation Ground, Barrack Road and Arena Wheel Park.

Refurbishment will be carried out at Burnham Road, Knapp Mill, River Way, Highcliffe Toddler, Highcliffe High 5, Mudeford Wood Community Centre, Waterman’s Park Toddler and Waterman’s Wheel Park play areas.

The council is proposing to decommission the facilities at Campbell Road, Priory View Road, Endfield Road, Darwin Avenue, Melbourne Road, Bellflower Close, Bluebell Close, Saffron Drive, Vetch Close, Celandine Road and Upper Gordon Road, and return them to public open space.

It is also proposed that a schools engagement exercise is carried out to obtain to a general understanding for the play requirements of the young people.

Once completed all sites would be transferred to new or existing town and parish council in light of LGR, with funding provided to maintain the improved facilities.