Design and Installation of an Infant / Junior Play area at Greatness Recreation Ground, Mill Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5BX

Descriptions

Background

Greatness Recreation Ground has become more and more popular as a local open space facility. It is developing from an original open space recreation ground into a more formal park. This is likely to only increase with a neighbouring development of approximately 900 dwellings to be started within the next five years.

It is also the home of the very successful Sevenoaks Town Football Club, which brings many visitors to the park. During 2026 the football club's new pavilion is due to be completed.

Bearing in mind all these changes Sevenoaks Town Council carried out a community survey relating to the future of the open space and its facilities.

From the responses it was clear that the current play area which has been in place for fifteen years needed to be reviewed and upgraded. Following consultation, it was also agreed to move its location to enable families who were already on the grass area to have a child use the play area without crossing the car park. The proposed new location would also be nearer the new pavilion which will have toilets and a café.

Key Points

1. The tender is for a completely new playground on a field.

Therefore, infrastructure e.g. drainage, fencing, safety surface, entry gates required.

2. Aimed at primary school children

3. Natural look equipment rather than bright colours, meeting ROSPA standards

4. Requires some DDA compliant inclusive play equipment

5. Requires some shading (preferably natural e.g. trees). Must retain the existing tree, ideally within the proposed footprint, or otherwise just outside of it)

6. To create a wetpour base with a new wetpour safety surface which compiles with BSEN 1176 and has a minimum guarantee of 2 years but preferably longer. A maintenance plan is a desirable extra service we would like. The product should have been tested in accordance with BS EN 1177 and BS EN 7188.

7. Timetable

• May 2026 public consultation on preferred options

A1 size image of play area to be provided.

• July 2026 appointment of contractor

• October 2026 installation

8. Size of play area

Existing: Approx 32.7m length x 19.5m width

New: 41.5m length x 17m width

Budget for the Project

Maximum budget for the play area project is £200,000. £240000 inclusive of VAT.