Work has now started on the development of a £1.3m sports village in Northallerton.
The scheme, led by Hambleton District Council, will improve the existing Stone Cross recreational land as well as bringing land to the north of the town into community use.
After securing £503,706 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and developer contributions, the first phase of the development is to enhance green space for informal recreation and to improve habitats for wildlife.
The work will include improvements to existing pathways, the creation of new fitness trails, ecological improvements to the beck, planting of native species, and creation of a wetland area.
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There will also be new community allotments created and a wild food area.
Part of this work is set to include the removal of some trees, in line with an ecological assessment of the site and woodland management plans.
The council says this will further improve biodiversity and the provision of habitats for local wildlife in the long-term.
The installation of bird and bat boxes and an otter holt is also included in the development work.
This work is set to be completed in March 2023 and between now and March, there will be times when access to certain areas at Stone Cross will be restricted, but disruption will be kept to a minimum.
Leader of Hambleton District Council, Councillor Mark Robson said the development was 'an exciting project for Northallerton'.
He added: “The work going on in the first phase will greatly enhance our green spaces in terms of biodiversity and wildlife, which I think is important and will be welcomed by the local community.
“Overall, this development is an integral part of the North Northallerton development which will see retail, residential, education, hospitality and employment opportunities brought to the edge of our county town.”
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