Community concert marks opening of new Sele Farm play area

We invited local residents to celebrate the completion of a new children’s play area in Sele Farm, Hertford, on Sunday 27 November. It was officially opened by the Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Sue Barber, with a free outdoor concert performed by the Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society.

The new natural play area is behind Anna Court, just off The Ridgeway, and includes a shallow amphitheatre to help encourage play, as well as play boulders, jumping posts, and a play log. New areas of planting and open fencing have been installed to encourage children to grow plants and get interested in nature. It was designed by Groundworks UK, with construction completed by Land Unit Construction.

A resident gardening group is being set up to support the shaping and ongoing development of the play area and garden. It will work closely with Network Homes and ground maintenance contractors New Green.

The play area’s completion marks the final piece of the regeneration jigsaw which has seen Network Homes and East Herts Council transform the former 1960s Ridgeway estate into a new neighbourhood of 120 new homes.

This is the latest example of how good partnership working can transform a community. I’ve personally been involved with the regeneration of the Ridgeway from the very beginning in 2012, overseeing the construction of new homes through to the competed refurbishment of the final block, Anna Court, in 2021. It’s fantastic to see this latest addition which will provide a brilliant green play area for young residents for years to come.

Tim Goodwin, Network Homes Regeneration Manager

Cllr Sue Barber, Mayor of Hertford, said: “A big thank you to Tim Goodwin for inviting me to Share in the opening of this outdoor natural play area. I am excited to be here to see the completion of such a great area for the children of Sele Farm and The Ridgeway. I hope that they will get many years of enjoyment, whether it be playing, acting, singing or planting from this lovely newly created green space.

“I would also like to thank HDOS-Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society a local charity, for taking time out from their busy schedule to be here and give us this free outdoor concert. This will definitely get us all in the mood for Christmas which is fast approaching.”