Ash People Asked For Their Views as Council Plans Playground Revamp

Published on: 14 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 15 Oct, 2024

The current play area at The Briars

By David Reading

Guildford Borough Council is planning to replace The Briars playground at Dan’s Meadow, Ash, with new play equipment and has launched a public consultation exercise to find out what visitors to the playground would like to see.

The cost of the playground replacement will mostly be funded by Section 106 payments from developers in the Ash area. The council will also receive part-funding from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is hoped that the work will take place this winter or in spring 2025.

The five-week consultation began on Saturday, October 12, and will close on November 10.

Section 106 agreements are legally binding, which means money must be spent on agreed purposes. The money for the new playground at The Briars has been provided by housing developers for open space improvements. Some of these are specified for playground improvements and they must be used in the area near the housing.

The proposed layout for the new playground.

On its website, GBC says it has awarded the contract for the work to Hags UK. The current playground was judged to be too small, old and offering poor play opportunities.

GBC said in a press statement: “There is a great collection of parks and open spaces in the Guildford borough. They are an important part of what makes Guildford a greener, fairer, thriving community, with many of the playgrounds designed to be accessible for children and young people of all ages and abilities.”

A pictorial view of how the new playground will look – not all items may be identical in final design. (click on image to enlarge)

GBC’s lead councillor for Environmental Services, George Potter (Lib Dem, Burpham), said: “It’s important that we listen to the voices of local people, especially those who will be using the new play equipment. I hope lots of residents will have their say on the design and equipment choices proposed at The Briars.

“We’re making Guildford a welcoming borough where everyone feels valued. Together we can make this playground an exciting and inclusive play space for children of all ages and abilities.”

Residents can give views on the play equipment choices by filling out the online survey. Paper copies of the survey will be available at The Ash Centre.

Following the consultation, the council will review the feedback and, where possible and within budget, make changes to the plans. The results of the consultation and the final design will be published on the council website.