THE transformation of a sports ground in Hartlepool began yesterday.
The £489,000 scheme at King George V recreation ground in the town's West View involves building a pavilion with changing and community rooms, creating a floodlit multi-use games area and a small skateboarding area.
The work is expected to take about six months to complete.
Sport England has given £417,000 of National Lottery money to the project, to add to £45,000 from the North Hartlepool Single Regeneration Budget Partnership and £27,000 from Hartlepool Borough Council.
Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond yesterday joined children from West View Primary School to cut the first sod at the recreation ground.
He said: "The project has been developed around the wishes of the local community, and will make a real difference, especially to young people in the area.
"We are very grateful for the tremendous support which has come from Sport England and also from the North Hartlepool Partnership."
A Sport England spokesman said: "Sport England is delighted to support this real grassroots project in a priority area which has true community spirit."
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