MVDC is set to take another significant step forward in delivering its long-awaited programme to refurbish and upgrade a number of play areas across the district, with Cabinet being asked to approve the award of a contract to the preferred bidder identified following the completion of the procurement process.  

At the Cabinet meeting on 17 March, Members will be asked to formally move the £3.89 million provisional capital budget for 2026/27 into the approved capital programme and to approve the award of the Play Area Investment and Refurbishment contract.

This follows Cabinet’s approval in November 2025 of the SCIL application and procurement strategy, which recommmended appointing on specialist contractor to design, consult and install all elements of the works. 

The Play Area Investment and Refurbishment Programme will deliver improvements across five existing playgrounds in Ashtead (£901K) million), Dorking (£320K), Bookham (£200K) and Leatherhead (£208K) and create a brand-new "destination" play area in Leatherhead  (£1.828 million). It will also deliver additional recreational installations at, presumably using the remaining £435K, at five other sites.  The initial phase at Guidford Road, Leatherhead, sited on the disused, hard tennis courts of about 1500 sq mtrs will cater for the age range 3 - 12 years at a cost of £750K. The documents for the Scrutiny and Council meetings make no mention of the remaining £1.078 million allocated for Guildford Road. Despite the precision of these allocations the document proposes allowing the transfer of funds between projects.

Final designs are to be inclusive and encompass the needs of all and to cater for the age range of 3 - 16, to consider 'Making Space for Girls' and ensure engagement includes minority groups.  Only one play area across the district is to be out of action at any one time and not in school summer holidays.  

 The Agenda paper to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee and Council sends a mixed message on the subject of toilet facilities near the children's play areas. The first phase of Guildford Road, and this project is not expected to complete until March 2028, states "that toilets can be provided (but do not need to be included for now)" but then goes on to include, "car parking provision, landscaping and modular toilets as well as drainage".  Under Financial Implications it adds that, "the new infrastructure such as a new play area and toilets will carry additional inspection and maintenance needs for the future".

The preferred bidder will be responsible for working with MVDC on engagement and consultation on design development, planning and installing high-quality, inclusive and future-proofed play spaces.