New playgrounds burst into life across Wandsworth this spring

Playground improvements are being paid for by our Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, using funds the council has collected from property developers, at no cost to local taxpayers.

Three separate playgrounds within the Doddington and Rollo Estates in Battersea are the latest to be opened to families after works completed, taking the number of completed estate playground upgrades to six, with several more due to be completed in time for the summer holidays.

Playground upgrades play a part in both the council’s Year of Play and Decade of Renewal programmes, with the emphasis on modern, accessible and inclusive play.

Resident feedback from the council's community drop-in event at the Doddington and Rollo estates, as well as walkabouts with residents, helped shape the upgrades.

The result is an exciting upgrade to all three playgrounds, including colourful nature themed play areas and equipment, interactive games and inclusive communication panels. New swings, multi-play units and in-ground trampolines have been installed, outdated equipment replaced and new safety surfacing laid, in response to feedback.

A strong focus on accessible and SEND-friendly equipment has been central to the upgrades, there are inclusive roundabouts with ground level access for children using mobility aids, alongside accessible seesaws with supportive seating and extra handrails for greater support.

Simon Hogg, Leader of the Council said:

“Our continued investment in estate playgrounds reflects a long‑term commitment to ensuring children and young people have high‑quality places to play close to home.

“Resident feedback has helped to inform modern design and inclusive equipment to create an environment that supports active, social and imaginative play for every child.

“This Easter holidays and beyond we look forward to seeing these new spaces being enjoyed by children and young people from throughout the borough.”

In the past week alone, several other vibrant play spaces outside of estates have also sprung open across the borough, from a new playground at Nightingale Square to a brand‑new community play space at Falconbrook Primary School, giving local children a range of exciting places to explore and enjoy. Further upgrades are also set to begin at Heathbrook Park Play Area in early May and at Tooting Common Lakeside Play area at the beginning of June.

Which estate playgrounds are being improved

Playgrounds across the borough, from Wandsworth and Earlsfield, to Battersea and Tooting are being refurbished through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

• Domelton and Bowyer House, Wendlesworth Estate, Wandsworth
• Whitecliffe House, Wendelsworth Estate, Wandsworth
• Maskell Road, Burtop Road Estate, Earlsfield
• St John's Drive, Henry Prince Estate, Earlsfield
• McManus/Holgate Avenue, Wilberforce Estate, Battersea
• Barloch House, Battersea
• Bolton Court, Doddington and Rollo Estate, Battersea
• Landseer House, Doddington and Rollo Estate, Battersea
• Lucas/Russell Court, Doddington and Rollo Estate, Battersea
• MacDonald House, Battersea Fields Estate
• Watford Close, Ethelburga Estate, Battersea
• Maskelyne Close, Ethelburga Estate, Battersea
• Jean House (2 play areas) Tooting Grove Estate, Tooting
• Robertson House, Tooting Grove Estate, Tooting
• Copeland House, Tooting
• Eliot Court, Wandsworth

The estate playground upgrades are just one of a selection of major council-led improvements across the borough funded through money the council collects from property developer, with no added cost to taxpayers.