North West Sites Show Housebuilder’s Playtime Partnership

Current developments in the North West of England are demonstrating a new partnership between WhatHouse? Award-winning Redrow and child psychologist Professor Helen Dodd, emphasising the importance of outdoor play for children.

With the summer school holidays underway, the renowned housebuilder has just launched a nationwide campaign encouraging the nation to ‘Please Play Here’ and spend more time outdoors this summer. Professor Dodd, from Exeter University, is an expert advisor and ‘head of playmaking’ to help the developer create inspiring play friendly communities for their residents.

The new survey of 2,000 parents shows two-thirds of parents state their children play outside for less time than their own generation. Most commonly parents say that their child spends too long on social media (36%), and do not have enough safe spaces near their property to play (27%). Three quarters (73%) of parents also state roads are too dangerous now to consider allowing them outside to play. But many see the benefits of outdoor play, such as physical and mental health, developing social skills with new friends and learning about nature and safety.

Two examples of Redrow developments which are helping tackle this downward trend are Tudor Grange in Woodford, near Stockport, and Tabley Park in Knutsford, Cheshire

Woodford Garden Village at Tudor Grange offers a choice of three- and four-bedroom family homes complemented by a host of outdoor areas in which to play and socialise, with open spaces, linear parks and sports fields dotted around the village, as well as a dedicated school, shops and social centre right at the heart of the community. There’s countryside on the doorstep too, and easy access to the likes of Poynton, Wilmslow, and Manchester. No homes are for sale here right now but house-hunters are invited to register their interest in the next releases, coming soon.

Tabley Park has some three-, four- and five-bedroom homes for sale right now, priced from £694,000. This development of sizeable, high-specification houses and bungalows will also feature allotments, a community orchard and children’s play areas. In all, over 15 of its 36 acres are devoted to open space. It’s under a mile from the shops, restaurants and businesses of Knutsford, in addition to a selection of excellent schools, and residents are within easy reach of the M6 and M56 motorways.

Professor Helen Dodd said: “The research shows that fewer children are playing outdoors than in their parent’s generation, with a particularly notable decline in street play. Over half of parents reported that they made friends with neighbours after their children had played outdoors together – outlining how key play is, not only for children, but for social connections and bonds within the wider community.”

Kevin Parker, group master planning director at Redrow, said: “Placemaking and the concept of play has always been a key priority for us at Redrow. We have designated open spaces for play and recreation across our developments, as well as play-on-the-way spaces and multi-functional green corridors including natural play to encourage resident interaction and promote a better way to live.

“We want to go further and fully respond to the needs of our customers, which is why we’re working with experts like Professor Helen Dodd and launching this campaign at the start of the summer school holidays.”

Find out more at www.redrow.co.uk/playmaking

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