A NINE metre tall “giant’s” play tower will be included in the major redevelopment of one of Bradford’s most popular play areas.

Early last year it was announced that £650,000 would be invested in the children’s play area in Lister Park, Manningham.

It would be the first part of a wider £6.4 million scheme to improve play areas across the District.

The announcement was made before the Covid 19 pandemic, and it was initially hoped that work could start by Autumn.

But because of the pressures of the Pandemic has been little movement since.

Now, over a year later, the full plans for the site have been revealed, and it is hoped it becomes the “destination” play area for Bradford.

A planning application for the site’s refurbishment and the installation of new play equipment has been submitted, and sheds more light on what the finished play area will look like.

Grade II listed Lister Park, in the heart of an inner city area, is one of the most popular parks in the District.

Children waste no time in enjoying Peel Park's new 'nature inspired' play area

It is home to a boating lake, band stand, cafe sports facilities and Cartwright Hall Art Gallery - which includes a gallery dedicated to local artist David Hockney and regularly hosts major exhibitions.

The park’s play area is also hugely popular, and it is not unusual to see families queuing to use equipment like swings at the site.

However, there has been no major investment in the play equipment for two decades.

The planning application says: “It is intended that the proposed play area becomes the ‘destination’ play area for Bradford forming the largest single site play facility in the council’s emerging Playable Spaces Strategy and Funding Programme.

“The proposal is exciting, unique and innovative.”

The play area is a short distance from Cartwright Hall and the design has been influenced by the gallery’s art.

The site’s central point will be the ‘Cartwright Giants Towers’ which will measure 9m high.

Other features in the plans include a sensory path, dome climber, water wheel, agility trail, swings, a “music zone” with playable instruments, carousel and picnic area.

The application adds: “Accessibility and inclusivity is an important part of the design as we want all users to be able to access the play area equally, play together and feel safe.

“As the proposal is for a children’s play area, the colour palette is bright and bold – especially for the toddler area.

“Paintings from artists have been used as inspiration in the design which carries excellent links to the adjacent Cartwright Hall Museum and Art Gallery.”

Councillor Sarfraz Nazir (Lab, Manningham) had been pushing for improvements to the play area for some time - saying the current facilities were way beyond their life span.

After the planning application was submitted he said: “I’m delighted that progress has been made and ahead of the summer holidays kids from across the district will have a new exciting play ground.

“The repairs and upgrade have been much needed and these upgrades will much needed joy to kids not just in Manningham but across the district.”

A decision on the planning application is expected next month.