A NEW haven of parkland, sports facilities and a heritage centre could soon open in Shoebury as work at the Garrison nears completion.

Final details of a new skate park, multiuse games area, car parks, footpaths and toddlers playground in New Gunners Park, Shoebury, have been released, ten years after work on the Garrison started.

Housing developer Country and Metropolitan, which agreed to build the community facilities before finishing the estate, expects to complete the last homes by the summer.

Elaine Dufaur, the company’s sales director, said: “Our proposed plans will provide a safe and exciting area for local children to play. If approved by the council, Shoebury residents will be able to enjoy wide open spaces in a tranquil and stunning environment.

“We’re excited at the prospect of developing a haven for people to appreciate the local nature and learn more about the area which is steeped in history.”

Country and Metropolitan originally planned to convert overgrown tennis courts off Danes Avenue, into a multiuse games area, but the facility, which will have markings for basketball, five-a-side football and tennis, will now be built next to a new skate park, off New Barge Pier Road.

Other tennis courts off Danes Avenue will be resurfaced.

Workmen expect to finish converting the former battery gun store, in Warrior Square Road, into a longawaited heritage centre by October.

A new play area for children aged 18 months to six will be built beside the heritage centre car park and newequipment added to the playground in Magazine Road.

The West Car Park has been created between New Barge Pier Road and Gunners Rise, but residents have raised concerns about a lack of parking after a badger sett meant Country and Metropolitan has dropped plans for another car park to the west of New Barge Pier Road.

John Dowell, chairman of the Garrison Residents’ Association, said: “We seek to minimise any preventable inconvenience for the now significant local community who actually live in rather than just visit the Garrison.”