Green light for city park makeover

Major improvements including a Multi Use Games Area, playground and scooter track have been approved for a "much-loved" city park.

Sheffield City Council said the work to transform Mount Pleasant Park in Sharrow would begin in April.

In partnership with Sharrow Community Forum, the council said £430,000 - largely from public health initiatives - would be used to improve the space.

The work would deliver a "refreshed, inclusive and high-quality play environment" benefiting local children, young people and families, it said.

Mount Pleasant Park was a "much-loved green space at the heart of the community", the council said, and improvements would mean it remained "a place where children and families can play, explore and spend time together safely".

Kurtis Crossthorn, chair of communities, parks and leisure, said he was "absolutely delighted" to see the designs, first started five years ago.

"The plans [capture] an ambitious and inspiring vision for the park's future," he said.

"That vision has been steadily, and wonderfully, brought to life."

The park will get new lighting with clearer sightlines to help the park feel brighter and safer.

A new building for Sharrow Community Forum has been added along with a public toilet and upgraded cricket nets.

Jonathan Roberts, CEO of Sharrow Community Forum, said the space was "outdated and in need of renewal" and the forum had worked with the council and landscape designers to create a better space.

The nearby Highfield Adventure Playground would also be redeveloped over summer, the council said.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North