The project includes the construction of a wooden fort, fitting of play equipment to the fort, moving a sandpit so it will fit under an existing shadecloth and laying 24 square metres of rubberised soft-fall under and around the play equipment.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the project aims to redevelop an existing play area for children offering a safe environment that is age appropriate and usable.

“Being centrally located in Armidale, next to the central business district with a public pathway through the precinct joining a major city car park, it’s an area used by many people including families with young children,” Mr Joyce said.

He said the investment in the play area would benefit many people, including those among the 330 people who attend regular weekly services held by St Peter’s Parish.

St Peter’s Cathedral precinct in Armidale is an open public space which is used by many local residents and visitors.

A spokesman for St Peter’s Church said the precinct was host to a number of community services open to the public, including a PlayDay Mother’s group, SYP youth group and a winter school holiday kids’ club.

“By enhancing the existing Children’s play area the various community groups that attend our public services will be provided a safe and age-appropriate play environment,” the spokesman said.