A NEW play area is set for a Flintshire heritage site as part of its redevelopment work.

Over the last 18 months, a huge amount of redevelopment work has taken place on Bailey Hill in Mold to improve access, revamp the Custodians Cottage into a multi-functional community space, create an outdoor performance space and generally improve the park for residents and visitors.

Part of the work at the site, once home to a Norman motte and bailey castle, is almost complete - with new Bailey Hill Centre soon to be open to the public.

The next phase of work is to upgrade the play offer on site. Better play facilities were highlighted as one of the most important needs in a public consultation on the development of Bailey Hill.

There were plans to redevelop the existing play area situated near the inner bailey (bowling green). However, the discovery of a 3m wide medieval defensive wall and associated floor levels directly under the existing swings has meant work has been unable to progress in this location.

Over the last few months, work has been undertaken to investigate other possible positions around Bailey Hill for a new play area to be located.

The outer bailey has been identified as the only area available on Bailey Hill, to locate the new play area while safeguarding the archaeology which has been found around the site.

A new play area specifically designed for this location and in keeping with the heritage and history of Bailey Hill is currently being finalised.

The Leader:

Flintshire County Council’s Leader, Councillor Ian Roberts, said: “The council is delighted with the progress that has been made to improve the Bailey Hill in Mold and to further increase its value for local people and visitors. The new play area will give more people the opportunity to explore this fascinating site and spend time in the town.”

Bailey Hill project officer, Jo Lane said “The Bailey Hill tripartite group have worked hard to find a suitable area on Bailey Hill for the new play area as well as on the design to ensure that it is in keeping with the history and heritage of the site. So far we have received many positive comments with regards to the plans and look forward to progressing forward with this next phase.”

To keep updated on all things Bailey Hill, please follow their social media pages, Facebook: @BaileyHillProjectOfficer and Twitter: @bh_officer.