The council said the investment is part of a city-wide project
The site has been upgraded including new fencing(Image: Leicester City Council)
A Leicester sports area which was left in a “poor condition” has been refurbished after receiving an investment of almost £200,000.
Leicester City Council revealed the refurbished multi-use games area in Overton Road, in North Evington, following an investment of £193,000.
Pupils from Merrydale Infant School celebrated the makeover on Tuesday (March 17) alongside the Leicester Riders, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Leicester City Football Club.
Merrydale Infant School students enjoying the refurbished area(Image: Leicester City Council)
The council said the multi-use games area has been upgraded with new surfacing, fencing, new goal ends, access points and updated floodlights. It is a caged facility with open access to the public and features both football and basketball courts.
According to the council the site was previously left “in a poor condition, with dilapidated fencing”.
Leicester City Football Club, the local Hastings Road East Leicester fire station crew and the Leicester Riders provided free community activities for the schoolchildren to help officially launch the new space, alongside skills sessions and friendly, informal coaching.
Speaking about the investment, assistant city mayor for sports and leisure, Councillor Vi Dempster, said: “This is part of a major £2.1m city-wide investment project to provide new or refurbished multi-use games areas and ball courts.
“We’re investing in these facilities because we know what a difference they can make to communities, particularly in areas of the city where open spaces may be more scarce.
“Multi-use games areas are a focal point for positive activities and an important space for socialising. They can be used in all weathers and for a variety of different sports and games. It’s great to see the space at Overton Road getting such a warm welcome from local schoolchildren.”
Matt Bray from Leicester City In The Community said: “These renovated courts are used by Leicester City In The Community to deliver football sessions on the doorstep of local communities, who will benefit greatly.
“The new courts will provide high-quality venues for us to deliver community initiatives and engage with young people through sport.”