A major investment programme will see play areas for children completely revamped with inclusive, engaging designs.

Play facilities throughout Hastings are earmarked for a £1 million transformation, including a brand-new flagship play zone in Alexandra Park.

The improvements are being financed through the UK government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, which forms part of a £21.5 million initiative.

Helena Dollimore stated that it was excellent news that local playgrounds would receive such a significant boost thanks to funding she had secured from the Labour administration. She explained that many families in the area had expressed how much they wanted to see local play facilities improved. Upon inspecting the playgrounds personally, she discovered that too many had fallen into a state of disrepair or closed entirely. She has been raising this issue in Parliament, in national publications, and in conversations with ministers and council leaders, as she believes children in Hastings deserve better facilities.

The proposals involve converting the existing Alexandra Park playground into an accessible, multi-generational play space that draws inspiration from the town’s heritage and natural surroundings.

Similar upgrades will be carried out at other playgrounds across Hastings to ensure all areas benefit from improved, inclusive facilities.

Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council, stated that allocating resources to high-quality play areas is essential for the wellbeing, contentment and growth of young people. He said these schemes would provide families with additional spaces to gather, play and appreciate the town’s green areas.

The consultation held during last summer’s Hastings Pride in Place engagement process highlighted playgrounds and family amenities as a key concern for local residents.

Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings, Rye and villages, stated that this funding from the Labour government’s Pride in Place programme is intended to enhance Hastings as a place to live. She pointed out that residents have the most intimate knowledge of their area, which is why the Labour government appropriately decided that local people should determine how this £21.5 million should be spent.

Design work and community involvement are scheduled to commence in spring 2026.

The primary construction phase is expected to finish in spring 2027, before the busy outdoor period.

Ongoing progress reports will be shared via the council’s website and social media channels.