ABBOTSWOOD Shopping Centre has seen the completion of the upgrade and enhancement of the central open space thanks to Yate Town Council.

The interactive, natural play area has been installed with redesigned paving and additional seating.

The enhancements have helped to improve the wider precinct area as a continuation of the hard work of the local community to improve the space.

Residents have remained engaged with the project and have inputted opinions through consultation, which has shaped the project from the beginning.

Consideration was given to the use of natural and recycled materials as much as possible in the children’s play space which in turn has further strengthened the work already undertaken by Abbotswood Action Group and St Nix Family Centre.

Councillor John Ford, a member of Yate Town Council’s Play Area and Properties Project Steering Group said: “After six decades of hard wear, the Abbotswood Shopping Centre was desperate for refurbishment and now looks modern; the work has given the centre a new lease of life. Our thanks to the local community for their valuable input to the design”.

The wildlife inspired adventure play area and trail, has been designed to fit in around the existing mature trees in the shopping centre. The centre piece is a large bespoke wooden ant, along with a spider’s net for climbing.

The £48,400.00 fund for this project was administered through Section 106 (S106) financial contributions from housing developers from South Gloucestershire Council.

South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt added: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of the refreshed central open space at Abbotswood which will be greatly enjoyed by the local community. I’m particularly pleased to see environmentally friendly natural and recycled materials utilised for the children’s play space and I am impressed by the excellent animal themed elements.”