Uckfield Town Council Officially Opens Renovated Play Area

Uckfield Town Council was delighted to officially open the newly renovated Victoria Pleasure Ground Play Area on Friday, 10th October 2025, marking the completion of a major investment in one of the town’s most popular family spaces.

The ceremony was attended by Uckfield Town Mayor Cllr Karen Bedwell, Deputy Mayor Cllr Spike Mayhew, members of the Town Council, and representatives from KOMPAN, the specialist play equipment company who designed and delivered the new play area.

They were joined by the Town Crier, Council Officers, St Philip’s Catholic Primary School Assistant Principal Ellie Shaddick, and three young competition winners from St Philip’s – Elizabeth, Bea and Phoebe – who took part in the Council’s ‘Design Victoria Play Area’ competition earlier this year.

Together, they helped cut the ribbon and officially welcome children and families to enjoy the modern, inclusive new space.

The project forms part of Uckfield Town Council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public spaces and improving local amenities for residents of all ages. The refurbished play area features new and accessible play equipment designed in accordance with the designs of the competition winners.

Speaking at the opening, Cllr Karen Bedwell said: “Projects like this are rarely as simple as people may think, but we like to think that taking the extra effort to get all the small details correct will result in a site that lasts longer, delivers value, and offers exactly what its users want.

“We look forward to hearing and seeing exactly how much Uckfield families enjoy using this site over the coming years.”

The new play area includes a mix of traditional and modern play features, such as climbing frames, swings, slides and a trampoline, all set within a level landscaped site.

The Town Council worked closely with KOMPAN, a leading provider of innovative play and fitness equipment, to ensure the space reflects the latest thinking in play design and accessibility.

Uckfield Town Council’s Estates & Facilities Manager, James Hollingdale, said: “After coming to the end of its usable life, Victoria Play Area was in need of a creative and long-lasting replacement.

“We are delighted to officially open the site after the months of planning, design and feedback that have gone into the project.”

The Victoria Pleasure Ground has long been one of Uckfield’s most cherished open spaces, hosting sports, community events and more. The presence of the refurbished play area ensures it will continue to be a lively hub for residents and visitors alike.

As the ribbon was cut, dozens of children ran to explore the new equipment, filling the area with laughter and energy.

Town Clerk, Holly Goring, added: “It has been fantastic to see the newly upgraded children’s play area in use.

“The final design reflected feedback from parents and young people throughout the consultation process, and key features added to ensure safe access from the car park to the equipment, inclusive equipment and seating for parents and guardians.

“We were pleased to work in partnership with KOMPAN on the project, and wish to thank all those involved in making it happen.”

Uckfield Town Council hopes residents and visitors will enjoy the new Victoria Pleasure Ground Play Area for many years to come.