Crawley Borough Council commences next phase of playground refurbishment programme

Crawley Borough Council has commenced the next phase of its wider programme to revitalise unsupervised playgrounds across Crawley with the refurbishment of Northgate play and youth areas at Northgate playing fields.

This phase of the Unsupervised Play Investment Programme, which is being fully funded by developers through Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy payments, will see six play areas refurbished: Northgate, Northgate youth area, Loppet’s Road in Tilgate, Ifield Green, and Woodcroft Road and Hanbury Close in Ifield.

Each scheme has been individually designed by contractor Proludic Ltd to reflect local character and sense of place, with bespoke elements tailored to the surrounding area. It is anticipated that all schemes will be completed by the end of 2026.

Peter Lamb MP joined Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council, Councillor Chris Mullins, Cabinet member for Leisure and Wellbeing, Councillor Sue Mullins, Cabinet member for Community Engagement and Culture, and [Councillor Gurinder Jhans] on a visit to the Northgate play areas to mark the start of this new refurbishment phase.

At Northgate play area, the design is inspired by woodland themes, reflected in the play equipment and scenery features. The new play equipment will include eight‑person woodland‑themed springer, toddler multi-play unit, and a bespoke scenery area incorporating play panels designed to provide visual and tactile stimulation.

At Northgate youth area, the refurbishment will include a metal zipline, Diabolo multiplay unit (with double width slide), double perch standing seesaw, Monsoon swing, junior monkey bars, and a basket swing.

Both sites will benefit from new safer surfacing and improvements to paths and access routes to make the play areas easier and safer to use.

Councillor Chris Mullins said:

“Investing in high‑quality play spaces is a vital part of supporting the health and wellbeing of our young residents, and I’m delighted to see this next phase of the unsupervised play programme now underway.

“These new designs will provide exciting and inclusive equipment for children and young people in Northgate to enjoy for many years to come.”

Peter Lamb, Labour MP for Crawley, said:

“During my time as a Northgate councillor, the play area was one of the issues regularly raised on the doorstep. Before standing down I was glad to be able to get it on the list for refurbishment and I’m delighted that local kids and parents will now get to benefit from a much improved play area.”

As part of the delivery of the Unsupervised Play Investment Programme, Proludic Ltd has committed to a number of environmental measures across all six sites. These include the use of Nike Grind Safety Surfacing which incorporates recycled Nike Grind material, repurposing the rubber equivalent of more than 53,000 worn out Nike shoes across the six sites.

Additionally, an estimated 65 tonnes of carbon emissions generated through the project will be offset through UK tree planting initiatives in the South-East of England, supporting local environmental benefits. Where possible, materials excavated during installation will be retained and reused on site, helping to minimise waste and protect the natural environment.

As part of its commitment to supporting the communities in which it works, Proludic Ltd has also pledged to make a series of local donations to community groups in Crawley. These contributions will support grassroots organisations and projects that benefit children, young people and families, helping to create positive and inclusive spaces and ensuring the benefits of the investment extend beyond the refurbished play areas themselves.