A BASINGSTOKE park has undergone a £258,000 transformation.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has installed a new children’s play area at Beggarwood Park and improved the landscaping, with new benches, bins and better footpaths at the Local Nature Reserve.

The scheme was paid for by contributions from building developers. As previously reported in The Gazette, the council has £10million in unspent community contributions.

The new park has a choice of 30 new fun facilities, including climbing frames, ropes, swings and toddler rides, in the extended play area.

A wild zone and an upgraded pump track circuit for BMX and mountain bikers, skateboarders, rollerbladers and scooter riders, are also set to open in the new year.

Cllr Mark Ruffell, cabinet member for planning, infrastructure and natural environment, said: “I am delighted to see the much-improved play area and landscaped surroundings are now ready for visitors to enjoy at Beggarwood Park.

“Members of the local community asked us for these improved outdoor facilities and helped to shape what would be included. We are pleased to be able to deliver these improvements.

“Beggarwood Park has always been very popular, so I hope this investment in new equipment and facilities will be enjoyed by future generations of visitors.”