CONSTRUCTION on the Churchtown Playground has hit its halfway point this week in an exciting milestone, as work continues at pace to ensure it is ready in time for the new academic year in September.

Churchtown Playground is being created in memory of Alice and Bebe, 2 much-loved pupils at the Churchtown Primary who sadly lost their lives in the Southport attack last year.

The playground has been made possible by tireless fundraising by Churchtown staff, colleagues at Endeavour Learning Trust, parents and the wider Southport community. Overall, nearly £400,000 has been raised to make the Churchtown Playground a reality, with any extra funds being donated to local charities supporting the town’s recovery.

The playground has been designed around the boundless curiosity of Alice and Bebe, as well as their shared passion for creativity, performance and books. Construction of the playground’s library and performance stage is nearly complete, and will allow generations of children to experience the joy that Alice and Bebe brought to Churchtown.

Newly released photos and video of the construction show construction progressing well, including on the new ‘indoor-outdoor’ library, the performance area, planters and a physical play area for children to run, jump and express themselves.

Endeavour Learning Trust, which Churchtown is a part of, manages nine schools across Lancashire and Merseyside, and has supported Churchtown throughout the playground’s journey. The construction itself is being overseen by Endeavour’s director of estates and operations, Jack Snowden.

Jack commented, saying that the halfway point of construction was yet another key point in the mission to make the playground a reality:- “It’s clear that everyone involved in the construction of the playground has a real investment in it - this is no ordinary building project. We can’t wait for Churchtown’s pupils to experience the completed playground next month, which will act as a permanent monument to the light and joy that Alice and Bebe brought to the school, for years to come.”

Jinnie Payne, Headteacher at Churchtown, also commented:- “The plans are coming to fruition, the children’s senses are going to be on overload when they see the playground. The playground team are working incredibly hard and their craftmanship is making everything happen at pace ready for the children’s return.”