A NEW play area at a Bradford park - the first step of a major revamp of Bradford’s play facilities, will be opened this week.

The revamped play facilities at Lister Park will be officially opened on Wednesday after the completion of a £650,000 refurbishment project.

Local schoolchildren have been invited to try out the new equipment which includes an imposing nine-metre tall ‘Giant’s Play Tower’ as its centrepiece.

The refurbishment and installation of new play equipment is the first part of a wider Council investment of £6.4 million to improve play areas across the whole district.

Grade II Listed Lister Park is in the heart of the inner city area of Manningham and is one of the most popular parks in the district.

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

The play area was the busiest of the district - and there were regularly queues for swings and slides.

But it had undergone no major investment in two decades, and so was chosen as the first play area to benefit from the investment by Bradford Council.

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

The work to demolish and rebuild the play area was carried out by contractors Kompan Ltd and began in March.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: “It’s wonderful that the work has been completed and that the play area is now open for youngsters to enjoy the summer.

“Our parks are so important for families to enjoy open spaces and fresh air, particularly for those who live in built-up areas where green spaces are few and far between.

“Lister Park has always been one of Bradford’s major attractions and this new investment will keep it as one of the best in the country and a serial Green Flag award winner.

“It has cost a lot of money and hard work for our staff and contractors but to see the children enjoying themselves with a happy smile on their faces makes it all worthwhile.”

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

As well as the ‘Giant’s Play Tower’ other features in the area include a sensory path, dome climber, sand and water play, agility trail, swings, a “music zone” with playable instruments, carousel and picnic area.

Manningham ward Councillors will attend Wednesday’s event, as well as

children who took part in a competition to design a poster for the play area.