WORK will begin next week to build a £150,000 new play area in the heart of Oxford’s Barton estate.

On Monday, workmen will break ground in the playground outside the Neighbourhood Centre in Underhill Circus.

A new sandpit, climbing frame, roundabout-style rotating disc and swings are being installed as part of the wider Play Barton Scheme.

Work is already under way in the Neighbourhood Centre, with the refurbishment of the basement into a dedicated youth centre area.

City councillor Mark Lygo, board member for parks and sport, said the new play area would also feature timber poles that can be adapted by play workers to provide special play features.

He said: “I am delighted that work has now started.

“We received funding from Oxfordshire County Council to develop this play area as well as the youth centre which will be a great improvement to the community.

“The work is expected to be completed in time for the Barton Bash which will be a real celebration for the community.”

Sue Holden, chairman of Barton Community Association said the improvements at the centre, which include new toilets, new lighting, improved markings in the sports hall, and better ventilation, were also on course for completion ahead of the Bash in November.

She added: “We feel very lucky and privileged with our wealth of new facilities that have been made available to us through the support of the city council.

“The new play area will be a very welcome addition and will provide exciting new play equipment for local children.”

The estate, one of the most deprived areas in the country, has seen significant investment.

“In the past 12 months Barton has benefited from a new gym, community pavilion, greatly improved youth venue and now the adventure play space,” Mrs Holden added.

As reported in the Oxford Mail this year’s Barton Bash, scheduled for July, had to be cancelled after organisers said they were overwhelmed by the paperwork involved.

But a new date for the event was later announced and it will now take place on November 19.

It will combine the annual Barton therapy day, which usually takes place in September, with the usual mix of fun activities for children, food stalls and sporting demonstrations The Government froze funding for the £800,000 Play Barton scheme last July as it announced plans to save £1bn from the education budget.

But £450,000 of the money has now been made available.