A NEW playpark and multi-use games area has officially opened in Sighthill as the area continues its transformation.

The community held a party on Friday to celebrate the opening of the new facility which will give children and teenagers a much-needed play area.

Situated next to the community centre, Kids and Adults Together in Sighthill, it is hoped the play area will provide a space for locals to enjoy while the ongoing building work continues as part of the £250 million regeneration.

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Lead project manager for Sighthill Jackie Harvey said: "What we realised is that there is a lot of building work in Sighthill but we had taken away people's places to play.

"So this is what we have done. If you have seen the masterplan for the area, the park land which will eventually end up here will be phenomenal - and it will be a lot more than you see now.

"For now, this is at least giving the kids somewhere to play. A lot of residents have said it has had made a huge difference already and the kids are out playing."

More than 800 homes will be built in the area over the next few years as the regeneration plan moves forward.

The regeneration project will also deliver a new community school campus; a new footbridge across the M8 connecting Sighthill to the city centre; a new road bridge across the railway to link Sighthill and Port Dundas; and improved parkland, allotments and public spaces.

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The playpark, however, will keep the community going until the transformation is finished and is already welcomed by locals.

Hazel Clark, 61, from Sighthill said: "It is important for the children and it has already made a difference. The children come and play, and you always know where they are."

Mum-of-one, Roisin Frel, 31, from Springburn said: "The wee man goes to school care in the community centre and the girls can now bring him out to the park, he really enjoys it. I have even seen kids sitting on the bench doing homework.

"I just can't wait for the new school to be up and ready."

Louise Nolan, of New Rhythms for Glasgow, added: "It is the first time in a long time, we have got a space where we can get together. We had a year or so without any play areas.With the building works going on, there is not really a public space.

"Yes it is a kids playpark, but equally we have an outdoor space where people can meet each other and we want to encourage people to get their community spirit back."

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