YOUNGSTERS in Southampton are set to benefit from a boost of £500,000 to be spent on outdoor play facilities on a city estate.

The Playaways project, due to start this month, will provide children in the Thornhill area of the city with new equipment and landscaping at six playground sites.

New facilities are to be implemented at Hinkler Green, Lydgate Green, Thornhill Park, Hannay Rise, Burke Drive Route and Dumbleton Park.

Regeneration body Thornhill Plus You is overseeing the management of the project on behalf of Southampton City Council’s Play Services and has provided £225,000 funding.

Another £300,000 to pay for the equipment has come from the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) through the Playbuilder programme.

Children, young people and parents of Thornhill have been engaged throughout the consultation process at various youth-focused events, play days and at local schools and youth centres. Their feedback will help to shape the designs of the play spaces, which are being produced by Capita, with support from Groundwork Solent. The project, which is designed to boost healthy outdoor play in the community is due to be completed by the end of March.