(Image: )Following on from successful completion of a cultural facilities development plan for North Tyneside, the Council commissioned KKP to also develop a play and urban games strategy to reflect increased engagement in ‘street sports' amongst young people and their demand for appropriate facilities.

KKP's first task was to engage young people in the process through focus groups in youth clubs and local schools. This provided a detailed picture of the value of current provision and the views of young people on gaps in facilities.

Allied to the consultation, KKP audited all sites and undertook detailed GIS analysis of service provision and its location to determine the optimum sites for services in relation to access, need and demand.

A key element of the strategy was to define a set of service standards to ensure that provision is of a high quality and meets the needs and aspirations of young people in North Tyneside.

(Image: )Prior to the strategy development, North Tyneside Council had established a Play and Urban Games section, combining the existing play service, with a history of delivering year round provision for 8-13 year olds and summer playschemes, with a new emphasis upon urban games. The strategy provided clear direction for the newly established service and has enabled it to deliver a network of play facilities for the young people of Tyneside.