Play and recreation areas

Making a difference across our district: play and recreation

Making play a priority

The council is spending £400,000 over the next two years on bringing play areas up to the high standards residents expect.

The work has already started, with play area plans being drawn up and user group consultation underway.

Play areas in Ditchling, Newhaven, Lewes, Peacehaven, Seaford, South Chailey and Ringmer will all see upgrades and equipment replaced.

Some 20 play areas across Lewes district are to be renewed.

The play areas will be designed to be allinclusive and to provide a range of play facilities for different age groups, depending on the area where they are located.

“Local play areas in Lewes district have suffered from underinvestment and I have made it a top priority to commit significant funding to improving them for local families.”

Transforming Newhaven Recreation Ground

The council has secured £2.4 million from the Towns Fund to undertake major improvements across Newhaven Recreation Ground in Fort Road.

A dedicated council officer has been employed to focus on this transformative project and designs will soon be shared, showing how the existing buildings will be redeveloped, and how the park will be remodelled to accommodate new recreation opportunities and a new playground.

Following consultation with local stakeholders a planning application will be submitted. It is hoped work will be completed in 2024.

This extensive redevelopment follows the creation of a very popular pump track and complete rebuild of the skate park.

“I came into politics to make a difference in towns and villages across the district; it gives me great pride to know this investment is going to bring great improvements to our recreation ground. Living in Newhaven with two young children I know how important this facility is to local people.”