BROAD Green Centre has a brand new play area, youth shelter and garden.

The new facilities, in Salisbury Street, were officially opened by Coun Peter Stoddart, the Mayor of Swindon, and Coun Justin Tomlinson, the council's cabinet member for Swindon Services.

Coun Tomlinson was delighted with the improvements at the centre.

"This is excellent news for local residents who will benefit from these enhanced facilities," he said.

The project was funded by the New Opportunities Fund through the 'Fair Share: Transforming Your Space' scheme. It aims to widen the appeal of the centre, which is used by a whole range of community groups, and was designed after the council consulted the local community on what was needed in the area.

Coun Andrew Bennett, cabinet member for community and partnership, welcomed the lottery funding which made the project possible."I'm really pleased that Swindon people have been able to benefit from cash from the New Opportunities Fund," he said.

"I hope we'll be able to attract more lottery funding in the near future."