On August 19, 2025, the Property Service announced a new Playgrounds Project as part of the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), which is funded by the UK Government with a total budget of £30 million. The project aims to create updated and inclusive recreational spaces for families at two locations: Half Tree Hollow (Lower Graveyard) and Longwood Green.
The initiative follows community feedback, including consultations with children at New Horizons, and research into suitable play equipment. The images released show the specific equipment that will be installed at each site. In addition to standard play structures, Half Tree Hollow will receive outdoor gym equipment designed for children as part of a health and wellbeing package. The current hard standing area at this location will be converted into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) capable of supporting sports such as football, basketball, netball, hockey, and soft cricket.
Both playgrounds are set to be improved with wooden benches, concrete picnic bench sets, shade gazebos, a communal recycling hub, and new signage. These enhancements are pending planning permission.
The project’s budget stands at £113,000. Philanthropic support from local and international businesses and organizations has so far contributed an additional £18,000. The final project announcement will include the names of these contributors.
Ongoing support from the community is encouraged to further develop both sites. Businesses, organizations or individuals interested in contributing can contact Mike Durnford, Crown Estates Manager, via email at [email protected].
Remediation work at both areas—including removal of vegetation and shrubs, grass cutting, and general tidying—is scheduled for December and January. Installation of playground equipment is expected to begin in February with completion planned by the end of March 2026.