Estate playgrounds swing into spring after refurbishments

Families can enjoy a fun-filled spring as playgrounds on estates across the borough are being refurbished with new equipment, ground surfaces and railings.

The improvements are welcomed by residents, who have praised the newly opened “bright” and “clean” play spaces.

As part of the council’s Decade of Renewal, the playground improvements on estates are being paid for with funds the council has collected from property developers, at no cost to local taxpayers.

Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Everyone should benefit from investment in Wandsworth’s public spaces, so top of our list is making sure children can enjoy better and safer outdoor play areas. After listening to parents and families who told us they would love updated and colourful play equipment, we’re improving estate playgrounds across the borough.”

'Feels much safer now'

The work means cleaner, safer, more welcoming playgrounds for local children to have fun and get active, part of the council’s commitment to improving play across the borough. Find out more about our Year of Play.

Mum-of-two Alisha Richardson said: “My kids absolutely adore our playground now. It’s bright and my daughter is obsessed with the swings.

“The work was completed very quickly, and it feels much safer now as the ground has been levelled as well as the new equipment added.”

Playground makeovers have already transformed spaces at Maskell Road, in Earlsfield, Bowyer House in Wandsworth Town, and Barloch House in Battersea.

“The kids have been very excited about it, it’s the highlight of their day,” said childminder Magaly Emberru, who cares for youngsters aged two to six and had shared her views on how the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund should be spent during the council’s consultation process.

“I use the playground all the time, so I was pleased to see that the feedback I gave on the consultation was taken on board.”

'A lovely, clean space'

For Charlie Ray, the improved playground at Barloch House means she’ll have more chance to get outdoors with her 18-month-old daughter and eight-year-old son.

She said: “It looks very exciting to use. I’ll use it quite a bit in the summer, it is great for all the kids.”

Neighbour Narcisa, 71, lives with her granddaughter and explained she already loved using the street-themed equipment, which includes a play electric vehicle charger.

“It’s not just swings and slides, so my granddaughter is really happy,” added Narcisa.

“When we saw the work and realised the playground was being changed for something better, it was a great feeling. It’s a lovely, clean space.”

The refurbishment of play areas includes installing new safety surfacing and replacement of equipment to include modern multi-play, swing units and an emphasis on accessible and SEND play equipment such as inclusive roundabouts, accessible see-saws and sensory play panels.

As well as the playgrounds that will be upgraded on Wandsworth estates, a further £200,000 will be spent on improving the children’s play area at Battersea Park Library.

Which estate playgrounds are being improved

Playgrounds across the borough, from Wandsworth and Earlsfield, to Battersea and Tooting are being refurbished through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

• Domelton and Bowyer House, Wendlesworth Estate, Wandsworth
• Whitecliffe House, Wendelsworth Estate, Wandsworth
• Maskell Road, Burtop Road Estate, Earlsfield
• St John's Drive, Henry Prince Estate, Earlsfield
• McManus/Holgate Avenue, Wilberforce Estate, Battersea
• Barloch House, Battersea
• Bolton Court, Doddington & Rollo Estate, Battersea
• Landseer House, Doddington & Rollo Estate, Battersea
• Lucas/Russell Court, Doddington & Rollo Estate, Battersea
• MacDonald House, Battersea Fields Estate
• Watford Close, Ethelburga Estate, Battersea
• Maskelyne Close, Ethelburga Estate, Battersea
• Jean House (2 play areas) Tooting Grove Estate, Tooting
• Robertson House, Tooting Grove Estate, Tooting
• Copeland House, Tooting
• Eliot Court, Wandsworth

More about our Neighbourhood Renewal Fund

Wandsworth Council has funded the work as part of the borough’s £9m Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund is funded by Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) payments which the council secures and collects from property developers to benefit the local area.

Read about how Wandsworth secures developer funding for local improvements.

For more information, please visit the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund website.