Exciting park refurbishments begin next week

Exciting refurbishments begin on playgrounds across the city next week.

The refurbishments are the next phase in our £3 million programme to improve park play areas in Brighton & Hove.

Work begins with the play area at Rottingdean Recreation Ground on Monday 17 July which will be closed while we complete the refurbishment.

Playgrounds for all children and young people

The focus of the programme is to provide inclusive and accessible play areas that can be enjoyed by everyone, including children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The first phase of the playground project saw a total of 23 parks completed last year, including Carden Park, Easthill Park and Preston Park, where refurbishments have dramatically improved accessible play opportunities.

Enjoy, learn and play together

Plans for the next phase of our refurbishment programme include innovative play equipment for all ages and abilities to enjoy, learn and play together.

The exciting plans for Queens Park include playground equipment such as springer bowls, wide access ramps and a tipi carousel with a top brace, which aim to welcome children with mobility issues to join in.

We’re also installing a fully inclusive wheelchair accessible multi-play unit, MUGA and outdoor fitness area with multi-use gym equipment at Hollingdean Park.

Queens Park playground delay

Unfortunately, there is a delay on the delivery of new equipment for Queens Park and we are having to put back the start of the playground refurbishment to the autumn. The work is now scheduled to begin on Monday 4 September.

Refurbishments throughout summer

Refurbishments of play areas in our parks will continue over the summer months.

  • Rottingdean Recreation Ground, starting from 17 July, full closure
  • Whitehawk Way, starting from 19 July, full closure
  • Saltdean Oval Park, starting from 25 July, partial closure
  • Maggie’s Corner (Woollards Field), starting from 31 July, full closure
  • Woodingdean Central Park, starting from 7 August, full closure
  • Knoll Park, starting from 14 August, partial closure
  • Hollingdean Park, starting from 21 August, full closure
  • Queens Park, starting from 4 September, partial closure

All work is expected to be finished by winter this year and we’ll do our best to minimise disruption as much as possible.

An exciting time for parks in the city

Councillor Tim Rowkins, Chair of the City Environment, South Downs and The Sea Committee, said: “We’re delighted that the next phase of our park refurbishment programme begins next week, kicking off with Rottingdean Recreation Ground.

“We know how much local residents are looking forward to seeing our brilliant and inclusive plans for Queens Park come to life. We’re disappointed to have to delay the work, but at least the play area will remain fully open throughout the summer holidays. The adjacent public toilets are also now open.

“Our refurbishments will provide bright, fun and inclusive play areas for children and young people across the city, and we look forward to seeing children of all abilities having fun in our parks.

“We’ve already refurbished 23 parks in Brighton & Hove and have plans for many more across the city next year.”

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