Children North East, supported by Robertson, open transformative outdoor play area
Continuing almost twenty years of support, Robertson Construction North East has donated the construction of a new outdoor covered play space for Newcastle-based kids charity Children North East.
Children North East creates “life-changing differences for babies, children and young people” and Robertson has been involved with the charity since 2007, particularly raising money for its annual Charity Ball and for many years sponsoring its Sandcastle Challenge event on South Shield Beach.
The charity came to long-term supporter Martin Westgate, Business Development Director, Robertson Construction North East as it needed help in transforming the outdoor area at its Cowgate Community Hub in the North West of Newcastle.
The Hub provides vital support to the local community but was limited in the use of its outdoor space as it lacked places for play to take place under cover.
Robertson Operations Manager Andrew Coleman organised the work on-site to construct the pergola, with support from Hewitson Limited for groundworks and materials from James Burrells Builders Merchants.
Work was completed over two weeks in July with the outdoor covered space now being used for activities such as dancing sessions for pre-schoolers, arts and crafts groups and support groups for local parents. The project also included the replacement of a shed to provide storage for outdoor play equipment, including bikes and scooters the kids previously couldn’t use regularly.
Martin Westgate said, “Children North East is a phenomenal organisation and Robertson has helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for them over the years. When we heard that we could use our expertise to help make a difference to the Cowgate Community Hub, we were more than willing to help out. It’s a joy to see the space complete and being used by kids to enjoy outdoor play.”
Billie Jenkins Fundraising Manager for Children North East said, “Having this multi-use space will be transformative for the communities accessing Hub services, especially as many have limited access to outside play spaces. Children North East cannot thank those involved in the build enough for giving the children, young people and families this wonderful opportunity to get outside and closer to nature.“
The charity has chosen to name the space Martin’s Place, in recognition of Martin Westgate’s two decades of fundraising for the charity. A plaque sharing the name was revealed at an event opening the space attended by those who took part in the build and leaders of the contributing organisations.
Images show Martin Westgate Business Development Director, Robertson Construction North East with Children North East’s Events and Community Coordinator Joanne King at the opening of ‘Martin’s Place, as well as local children using the outdoor covered play space.