We’re proposing changes to some of our adventure play centres (APCs) to make them more modern, inclusive, safe and accessible for families and young people. We need your views to help shape their future.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “We know how important good play facilities are to our communities, that’s why we’re investing £600,000 to improve some of our adventure play centres and bring them up to the standards our children, young people and families deserve.
“These proposals could include longer opening hours, repurposing and improving the play offer or providing more suitable facilities nearby. We’re not proposing any changes to Plumstead Adventure Play Centre. It’s important to us that families, young people and staff have a chance to have their say, which is why we are currently consulting on proposed changes to our adventure play offer.
“Our adventure play centres are spaces where children and young people can explore, play, and connect with others in a safe environment and your feedback will directly shape their future. So, share your views in our online survey or pick up a paper copy at your nearest adventure play centre, library or community centre – and help us keep our children and young people busy playing for years to come.”
Which sites are affected by the proposals?
- Coldharbour Adventure Play Centre
- Glyndon Adventure Play Centre
- Meridian Adventure Play Centre
- Woolwich Adventure Play Centre
There are no proposed changes to Plumstead Adventure Play Centre. Both Meridian and Coldharbour will be subject to separate consultations, as part of wider projects.
Why are we proposing these changes?
- Some sites are seeing the effects of years of use and/or are close to main roads exposing children and young people to traffic pollution. They need investment to improve safety and meet the standards our children and young people deserve.
- Not all sites are currently accessible to every child, such as those with certain disabilities. By using one-off funding we can invest in new and improved spaces and create sites that are inclusive and welcoming to even more children.
- The centres are currently open for around 30 hours per week, which limits how much they can be used. We propose opening them up, repurposing and improving the play offer or providing facilities nearby.
- We also want to build stronger links with Young Greenwich, our youth support service for young people aged 8 to 19 (and up to 25 for those with disabilities), so that more activities are available to young people in modern, welcoming spaces. This approach builds on feedback from our recent consultation about youth services, activities and support across the borough.
GLL, who currently manage the sites, will be consulting with staff who may be affected by proposed changes.
How to have your say
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be speaking with the community through:
- an online survey for all five APCs, with paper copies available in libraries, community centres and adventure play centres
- visits to Glyndon and Woolwich APCs to engage directly with families and young people who use the sites
- targeted focus groups with children in schools close to Glyndon and Woolwich to explore how we can improve facilities and make them more accessible
- surveys with residents living near the current sites in Glyndon and Woolwich.
There will be separate engagement activities for the proposed Meridian Community Youth Hub and Coldharbour Community Hub in the coming months.
The consultation will run from 17 November to 14 December. Read the proposals and have your say online or pick up paper copies at your nearest APC, library or community centre.