Apprentices on the Stonebridge Park regeneration scheme in Nottingham have got their hands dirty by building a new play area for animals at the nearby Stonebridge City Farm.

The urban farm has benefited from a new play pen with goalposts and tunnels as a result of the adjoining housing development, being built by Lovell who is the main contractor on the scheme.

The apprentices have been appointed as part of the commitment with the HCA to offer local training and employment opportunities as a result of the HCA’s multi-million investment into the Stonebridge Park redevelopment.

Eleven apprentices have been employed to work on the project, which has boosted the Nottingham Post's 100 apprentices in 100 days initiative, and are studying trades such as bricklaying, electrical installation, carpentry & joinery, and plastering.

The newly designed play pen is part of Lovell's ongoing commitment to being a considerate contractor by reducing the impact of the works for neighbours during the construction process, and supporting local community groups such as the Farm.

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Stephen Gee, Education Officer at Stonebridge Farm said: "The generous provision of additional play equipment for our larger animals will help establish a more stimulating environment for them as well as enhancing the experience of visitors to the farm. For this we are extremely grateful."

Stonebridge Farm is adjacent to the first phase of work to Stonebridge Park, a regeneration partnership with LHA-ASRA, Nottingham City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The HCA has invested £5.6m to kickstart the scheme, and thereby unlocking a total £11 million investment, to help create more housing choice for residents and a mixed and sustainable neighbourhood.

Lovell Regional Director Noel Adams said: "Lovell is excited to be work on this major regeneration scheme with LHA-ASRA and the HCA. We are committed to delivering high-quality new housing which will make a real difference for the area. Alongside the new homes, we have created new jobs for the area and given local people the chance to gain construction qualifications through our apprenticeship programme – providing ten new apprenticeships -which further benefits the local area through providing support to initiatives such as Stonebridge Farm."

The first phase is for 95 new homes across a range of sites including Eastham Close, Dennett Close, Magson Close and St Matthias Road. A selection of two, three and four bedroom homes will provide new family accommodation for the area and new residents will be able to choose a tenure which best meets their needs, from buying outright to renting, or the 'try before you buy' option which involves renting for a period before buying.

All homes will be built to high environmental and design standards, achieving Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Improvements to the public realm and green space, including Rocket Park, have been incorporated in the plans.

(CD)