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.