AN OVERGROWN BMX track on the edge of Winchester is set for new life life.

Winchester City Council is investing £100,000 on developments to open space in Abbotts Barton.

The new facilities, to be in place by the autumn, will include new footpaths and improved access to the open space, a trim trail, new seating, stone fire circles and a sculpture trail.

The improvements have been identified following consultation events including a community day in February, attended by more than 120 local residents who were able to talk to officers and discuss their ambitions for the area.

The council allocated these funds as compensation after construction of a new affordable housing development on open space on nearby Hillier Way.

Cllr Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “I am delighted with the opportunity to open up this space and provide new facilities for the community. As well as a new trim trail and footpath, identified in the successful consultation event, we will be opening up a currently underused area right on the edge of the South Downs National Park”.

A tender is being commissioned for the series of works.