CRUDEN has teamed up with North Lanarkshire Council to provide new play equipment for Shawhead Family Learning Centre in Coatbridge.
The new mud kitchens and planters are being enjoyed by children after being donated by Cruden Building, with the firm supporting North Lanarkshire Council’s new housebuilding programme which will see 5,000 new homes delivered by 2035. Cruden is delivering 19 new homes at Berwick Street in Coatbridge.
The company has also provided three new employment opportunities, two of which are local apprentice joiners. Work experience placements for two people have also been delivered and completed.
Supporting the delivery of community benefits, North Lanarkshire Council is working with local community groups. It was through this engagement that Shawhead Family Learning Centre asked for assistance. The group was looking for a range of items to support the learning and development of young people, and requested mud kitchens, planters and the repair of play equipment.
Cruden purchased the items and the council’s restorative justice team stepped in to build the mud kitchens and planters.
Clare Hay, head of centre, said, “Everyone at Shawhead Family Learning Centre would like to thank those involved for their support with the development of our outdoor play and learning spaces. These resources have enabled us to create a wonderful imaginative play zone in our outdoor area with the addition of mud kitchens and a role play car. It was a wonderful surprise for our children who were so excited to explore their new outdoor resources.”
James Stevenson, housing development manager at North Lanarkshire Council, added, “Our ambitious new council house plans, to deliver 5,000 new homes by 2035, are not only providing new homes but delivering benefits that are changing lives and communities.”
Michael Palethorpe, production and community benefit manager at Cruden, commented, “We are committed to giving back to the communities where we build as we continue to expand our portfolio of housing projects across Scotland. Alongside delivering high quality homes in Coatbridge, we’re proud to also support the creation of new jobs and skills opportunities in the local area, and enhance the lives of the families living there.”
