Businesses and a councillor team up to deliver a new wellbeing zone for a Wigan primary school

A Wigan school has opened a new Wellbeing Zone for its pupils, creating a calm and welcoming space where children can take time out, connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

The idea for the facility at Mab’s Cross Primary on Standishgate came from teacher Carolyn Smith, who wanted to create a dedicated space where pupils could read, talk, relax and learn about plants and growing.

The project was made possible thanks to the support of a number of local businesses and contractors, including United Infrastructure, Joseph Gallagher, Flannery Plant, PHG Contracting Ltd, Caecillian and SED Services Ltd.

The organisations played a key role in bringing the project to life, from funding and project management through to supplying materials and carrying out work on site.

Coun Lawrence Hunt also provided Brighter Borough funding to cover the cost of the planting scheme, helping to create a greener and more attractive environment for the children.

As part of the project, the partners also helped create a new bike and scooter shelter.

The facility will encourage more children and families to travel to school by bike or scooter and, hopefully, help reduce some of the traffic and parking pressures around the school at drop-off and pick-up times.

Coun Hunt said: “It’s been a brilliant example of businesses working together to make a real difference to our children’s wellbeing and safety, and the children are excited about their new facility.

“The completed Wellbeing Zone provides Mab’s Cross pupils with a valuable new space to relax, learn and enjoy nature, while the new cycle and scooter facilities support healthier and more sustainable journeys to school.”