Work to transform five more of the borough’s play areas is under way as part of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s commitment to ensure play areas are inclusive, well maintained and fun places for families.

The council has invested just under half a million pounds through its play area refurbishment programme to replace the play areas at Sidlaw Close in Kempshott and Buckskin ward, Upper Sherborne Road in the Norden ward and Roseberry Close in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood. The money will also mean play areas at Abbey Road in Popley and Fennel Close in Chineham are refurbished through the programme.

Last autumn, local people across the five areas were asked to give their views on the type of play equipment they would like to see at each area through an online survey.

Using this feedback, the council has now unveiled the final designs for each play area, with work expected to be completed on all five by late spring.

Each play area will benefit from brand new play equipment, surfacing and interpretation boards aimed at children with a range of interests and abilities. Where possible, the existing space has been carefully planned to incorporate more play equipment than before. 

This £480,000 investment in the borough’s play areas also includes work to replace a sixth play area at Sinclair Drive, which was completed and opened last week for local children to enjoy during half term.  

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “We know how important our play areas are to families in the borough. While many other local authorities are having to close play areas due to high maintenance costs, we are continuing to invest to improve those play areas most in need of replacement. We have over 150 play areas in the borough and are working hard to make sure they are easy to access, well maintained and fun places for the borough’s children.

Cllr James added: “It is really pleasing that through these refurbishments we have managed make better use of the play space to incorporate more opportunities to play, where possible. I hope these new facilities will be enjoyed and well looked after when they are completed later this spring, just in time for the warmer weather and longer days.”

To view the plans for each of the new play areas and find out more visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/current-projects

For more information on the play area refurbishment programme visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/play-area-refurbishment-programme