BACKGROUND
In April 2022, we took on responsibility from Wiltshire Council for more of the play areas and play spaces in the town.
This means we look after the following play areas and play spaces now:
- Barton Farm
- Bearfield
- Greenlands View
- Kingston Wood
- Poulton Park
- Sladesbrook
- Spencers Orchard
- St Aldhelm
- Victory Field.
Over time, these spaces have all seen lots of play – and this means some of them are showing their age now.
And because of this – in October 2022 – councillors agreed to spend over £370,000 to improve play in the town.
This will happen over a number of years, since we don’t have all of this money available immediately.
We’re also planning to do this work in 3 phases. This means we’ll be working with designers on more than 1 play area at a time.
The schedule for this investment is:
PHASE 1
- Poulton Park and St Aldhelm’s in 2023 and 2024
- Bearfield and Spencers Orchard in 2024
- Sladesbrook in 2025.
PHASE 2
- Barton Farm and Victory Field in 2029
- Greenlands View in 2030.
PHASE 3
- Kingston Wood in 2035 and 2036.
AIMS
As part of our project brief, we’re looking at each play area or play space individually – but also considering the play opportunities across the town. By doing this, we can be more strategic about how the £370,000 is spent.
We also want to provide more inclusive and universal play in Bradford on Avon – including opportunities for creative and imaginative play.
There’s more detail on our project aims in this document, which was part of the project brief.
Improving play in Bradford on Avon – Project aims (pdf)
NEXT STEPS
An initial phase of improvements at Poulton Park play area was completed in July 2024.
We are now seeking additional funding to complete the design. If you would like to help, we’re accepting financial donations via a fundraising page and welcome and support community fundraising initiatives.
GET IN TOUCH
Please get in touch if you have any questions about our play project.