The full refurbishment of the much-loved play area will commence at the beginning of July and will be completed by the end of August.
All of the current pieces of play furniture will be completely replaced or restored and the area will be extended to accommodate new features and more young people.
The centrepiece of the development will replace the iconic tower slide with a new bespoke UFO-style piece that will incorporate the current high slide.
Inclusive play attractions are another key addition to the park – including a wheelchair accessible roundabout, double bay cradle swings and a new nest for the existing cantilever swing that will make the play item fully accessible.
An exciting addition to the park is the introduction of climbing boulders and a natural section, encouraging adventure play, as well as a new 5 arm spinner and new spring rocker.
Heaton Park was given £600k through Clean City funding – allocated in part to Heaton Park from a one-off dividend paid to the city council as part-owners of Manchester Airport Group – that has already been used to improve footpaths, bins and benches – along with the refurbishment of the toilet block at the Farm Centre.
The play areas will be fully closed to the public during the works, but alternative provision will be available at the Stables Café courtyard.
Existing attractions will also be available, including the animal centre, donkey rides, cafes, land train and the boating lake, as well as a funfair during the summer holidays.
Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “Using Clean City funding we wanted to make sure the improvements to Heaton’s play area were both ambitious and future proofed. I believe we will have the best play area in the region following the works, and also a fully inclusive set of play pieces to ensure everyone can enjoy the facilities.
“Every piece currently in the park will be replaced or refurbished– along with many new additions – which I know will be welcomed by the many children and families who enjoy the space.”
