The long awaited Lower Swaines recreation ground redevelopment is finally able to take place, thanks to funding secured from Qualis Group.
As part of the Greenspace Improvement contributions from its St Johns Redevelopment, Qualis will provide an early financial commitment to enable Epping Playground Association to exceed their fundraising total of £120,000 and allow them to deliver this much needed community facility as soon as possible.
Sacha Jevans, Group Managing Director of Qualis Group comments, “Epping Playground Association has worked tirelessly to raise a staggering £84,000 towards the playground redevelopment and supported by our shareholder Epping Forest District Council, we are able to make this money available now to allow the exciting project to go ahead in advance of any works starting on the St Johns site.
“We hope that some additional funding we have allocated will allow the playground and recreation ground to be bigger and better than originally proposed.
“We are fully committed to improving Epping not just with our developments but for the wider community and have agreed significant funding through the legal agreement for this purpose. Working with our stakeholders we hope these will make Epping a better place for everyone.”
With the support of Epping Town Council, the Trustees of Epping Playground Association created a design and vision for the recreation ground based on the needs and wishes of local children, parents and educators. Opinions were sought through extensive consultations with local residents, including children. The Trustee team, who have been fundraising for three years, have now raised 70% of the total funds required through events and grants.
Epping Playground Association want to create a play space that allows children to progress through the site as their age, abilities and confidence grows. With different zones, children from toddlers through to teens have been considered in all aspects of design, with special consideration given to children with special educational needs and to teenage girls.
Cllr Holly Whitbread comments, “I really want to congratulate Epping Playground Association on their tremendous effort to raise £84,000 towards their target. I am so excited to see that through the financial commitment from Qualis Group, the target has now been reached and the plans can now progress to deliver this wonderful community space.”
Siobhan Garrett, Trustee at Epping Playground Association said, “The Lower Swaines recreation ground has been underused for many years due to the age of the equipment. As a group of parents, we came together to raise money to be able to create a space which can be used for children of all ages. We are thrilled to have reached our total and would like to thank all those who have supported us through our fundraising campaign and especially to Qualis Group for enabling us to reach our target.”
