Issue - meetings

1.    To invest £8.3 million into a three-year programme of improvement works to deliver an enhanced high-quality playground offer across LBHF, including developing exemplar playgrounds in our major parks of Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park. Working with the Housing Department to make sure the play offers in both Housing and Parks is coordinated.

2.    To establish a Play Forum to advise on the proposed changes and priorities, ensuring the programme is co-produced with local communities and there is a coordinated approach with schools, housing, and other providers of play in LBHF.

Councillors Florian Chevoppe-Verdier (Cabinet Member for Public Realm) and Frances Umeh (Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness) introduced the report which set out a 3-year, £8.3m improvement programme to transform play facilities in the borough.

A resident who had engaged with the Council on this issue addressed the meeting and thanked the Cabinet Members for the investment proposed in the report. She spoke about the positive impact that improved playgrounds would have for families and children, and local businesses near playgrounds. The Leader said this was just the beginning and the Council intended to invest more in the coming years.

Councillor Bora Kwon (Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health) noted that improving play was an important public health issue. She said in her previous role as Cabinet Member for Civic Renewal she did a lot of work with officers to bring private investment into the borough’s green spaces and suggested that be highlighted in the public papers for the next tranche of projects.

RESOLVED

1. To invest £8.3 million into a three-year programme of improvement works to deliver an enhanced high-quality playground offer across LBHF, including developing exemplar playgrounds in our major parks of Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park. Working with the Housing Department to make sure the play offers in both Housing and Parks is coordinated.

2. To establish a Play Forum to advise on the proposed changes and priorities, ensuring the programme is co-produced with local communities and there is a coordinated approach with schools, housing, and other providers of play in LBHF.