Hambleton District Council has started work on the development of a sports village in Northallerton.
The £1.3m scheme will improve the existing Stone Cross recreational land as well as bringing land to the north of the town into community use.
After securing £503,706 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and developer contributions, the Northallerton Environmental Enhancement Project is the first phase of this development to enhance green space for informal recreation and to improve biodiversity and habitats for wildlife.
The work will include improvements to existing pathways, the creation of new fitness trails, ecological improvements to the beck, planting of native species, creation of a wetland area, new community allotments and a wild food area.
Part of this work is set to include the removal of some trees, in line with an ecological assessment of the site and woodland management plans, as this will further improve biodiversity and the provision of habitats for local wildlife in the long-term.
The installation of bird and bat boxes and an otter holt is also included in the development work and will contribute to improving biodiversity.
This work is set to be completed in March 2023 and between now and March, there will be times when access to certain areas at Stone Cross will be restricted but disruption will be kept to a minimum so people can continue to enjoy the green spaces.
Leader of Hambleton District Council, Councillor Mark Robson said: “This is a very exciting project for Northallerton and will on completion give residents access to top class sports facilities in the heart of the town.
“The work going on in the first phase will greatly enhance our green spaces in terms of biodiversity and wildlife, which I think is important and will be welcomed by the local community
“Overall, this development is an integral part of the North Northallerton development which will see retail, residential, education, hospitality and employment opportunities brought to the edge of our county town.”
Subject to funding, phase two will include grass pitches, and a full size 3G artificial pitch.
For more information on the project please visit https://www.hambleton.gov.uk/northallertonsportsvillage
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