News

Government’s £18m investment in play to be spent on 66 communities

The government has confirmed a multi-million pound investment in play, with 66 of the most deprived areas being prioritised for the funding.

In total, £18m will be spent creating safe places for children to play, with cash earmarked to buy new or upgrade playgrounds across the country.

The funding is part of a larger, £319m investment announced as part of the Labour government’s Pride in Place strategy. It will see town centres being transformed into mixed-use spaces with new homes, health services, libraries, community hubs and green spaces.

The £18m investment in play follows sustained lobbying from Play England, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play – chaired by Tom Hayes MP – and growing cross-party recognition of the deep inequalities in children’s access to play.

Evidence shows there are stark inequalities across England when it comes to accessing the outdoors – with children from poorer households spending much less time outside than children from wealthier families. According to Communities Secretary, Steve Reed, funding for playgrounds will flow “straight to local areas”, with no requirements to bid or compete against other places.

Councils receiving funding will also be encouraged to consider buying British materials – providing a boost for the play construction sector.

Work begins on upgrades to playgrounds in Essex

Work has begun to upgrade playgrounds at three Essex Country Parks.

The £335,000 investment from Essex County Council will see the play trail at Great Notley Country Park receive new equipment from spring 2026, as well as new safety and surfacing features at Hadleigh Country Park – where works have already begun – and Belhus Woods Country Park.

Working with play specialist Kompan UK, the new equipment at Great Notley will include a play pit, climbing forest, sensory equipment, an agility trail and a 12-metre rope bridge.

Stratford council invests in play area at leisure centre

Stratford-on-Avon District Council (SADC) is investing in a new indoor soft play area at Stratford Leisure Centre.

The addition will transform part of the leisure centre’s existing facilities into a safe, fun and engaging space that will help support learning and development. Featuring colourful slides, building blocks, spinning panels and sensory features, the soft play area for early years will enable children to build motor skills and development through balancing, sliding and rolling throughout the secure two-tier structure.

The play area is part of plans to create more play-based environments in the district for children to stay active. It will replace the clip and climb facility at the centre and is expected to open in early May. Entry will be available to both members and non-members with affordable pricing. Stratford Leisure Centre is operated on behalf of the council by Everyone Active.

Richard Bell, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We hope our new soft play area will become a much-loved feature of the centre and encourage children to learn, grow and have fun all while staying active with their family.

“We intend to keep our customers updated every step of the way and thoroughly look forward to welcoming new and existing members to our brand-new dedicated play facilities this spring following this fantastic investment.”

Sutcliffe Play installs Helix in Trimley

In the East Suffolk village of Trimley St Mary lies Stennetts Park Playground, a popular space full of long-serving Sutcliffe Play equipment. In late 2025, the company was excited to return to upgrade the space once again, and realise the Parish Council’s ambitious vision.

The brief emphasised the need for new junior-focused equipment (to contrast with the existing toddler-facing items). Sutcliffe Play met this requirement with a brand-new unit, Helix, which is the first of its kind to be installed anywhere in the country.

The dynamic two-tower multiplay is the largest entry in the company’s new Pentagon range, and offers engaging play opportunities for up to 29 users of junior age.