Three Blackburn playgrounds picked for £270k funding boost

Three Blackburn playgrounds are set for major upgrades after Blackburn with Darwen Council secured £270,000 from a government fund aimed at improving play facilities in some of England’s most deprived communities.

The funding from the £18 million Playground Fund will be split equally between Mill Hill Gardens, Altom Street Play Area and St Barnabas Street Play Area, with each receiving around £90,000 of investment.

The sites were selected following a public consultation which attracted more than 650 responses from residents, parents and children.

According to the council, respondents identified safety as their top priority and called for accessible play equipment alongside traditional features such as swings, slides and climbing frames.

The funding was awarded after the borough was identified by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as one of 66 local authority areas eligible for support under the programme.

Government guidance shows councils were selected using measures including child income deprivation, the number of children per playground, the size of existing play areas and the distance children must travel to access them. The fund specifically targets areas deemed to have the greatest need for improved play provision.

The three successful sites emerged from a shortlist of nine playgrounds consulted on by the council. Residents were also asked for views on improvements at Olive Lane, Manxman Playground, Audley Sports Centre Playground, Phillips Road/Robinson Street, Harrison Recreation Ground and Highfield Park. The council said community feedback would help determine both the final locations and the designs of future improvements.

Councillor Jim Casey, the council’s executive member for environment and communities, welcomed the funding, saying: “We are delighted to see so many residents take part in the consultation and care about their local play areas and spaces.”

He added that play supported children’s social development, physical and mental health and encouraged time outdoors.

The investment follows a wider programme of playground improvements across the borough, with the council highlighting recent work to improve Whitehall Park, Bold Venture Park, Blacksnape, Witton Park, Corporation Park, Roe Lee and Mitton Street.

Earlier this year the authority also pointed to improvements at Calder Street when the government first announced funding allocations under the scheme.

While the council says the funding will not be enough to completely rebuild each playground, the money is expected to be used for a combination of replacing ageing equipment, refurbishing existing facilities and resurfacing works, with final designs shaped by local feedback.

An Executive Board report due to be considered on October 8 seeks formal approval for the council to accept the grant and proceed with delivery. The report states that Blackburn with Darwen has already successfully applied for the funding and signed a memorandum of understanding with the government to secure the allocation.

Work is expected to begin on two of the playgrounds later this year, with the third scheme scheduled for delivery during the 2027/28 financial year.

Blackburn with Darwen will receive the same £270,000 allocation as neighbouring authorities including Hyndburn Council and Pendle Council, which have also been selected for support through the national programme.