Work to start on new play area for Ilfracombe seafront

A new play area complete with pirate ship is to be installed on Ilfracombe seafront, with work starting this month and completed by Easter.

The new equipment will be built on a section of green open space near the crazy golf course and clapping circle, with work beginning on Monday, February 12.

The play area will be suitable for children of up to 12 years of age and the equipment has been designed to be inclusive of a range of physical and mental needs for children.

The pirate ship is intended to reflect the town's coastal location, and the design and materials will be in keeping with the seafront's Victorian heritage.

Pennine Playgrounds Ltd is carrying out the work and the construction is not expected to interrupt any planned events on the seafront.

The £87,000 play area has been fully paid for with Section 106 open space funds – contributions made by developers via planning applications - and is delivering on North Devon Council’s Ilfracombe Seafront masterplan ambitions.

Council leader, Councillor Ian Roome, said: “We have a shared vision for Ilfracombe to improve the public realm and make it an even more attractive and family-friendly destination, so I'm really pleased to see the town benefitting from significant S106 funding with a play area that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing extra community and social infrastructure as a result of the impact of new development in the area.

These contributions can only be used for certain things, and are used primarily for public open space projects.