Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has appointed Proludic to deliver its major Play Area Investment and Refurbishment Programme, marking a key milestone in MVDC's commitment to improving playgrounds and open spaces across the district. The decision to appoint Proludic, a leading designer and provider of playground equipment, has been approved by Cabinet, following a robust and competitive procurement process. The Cabinet decision was accompanied by the transfer of over £3.5 million provisional capital budget for 2026/27 into the approved capital programme. The programme will be funded through the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL), collected by MVDC from new developments to support major infrastructure projects and sustainable growth in line with the MVDC’s Local Plan. 

The programme will deliver upgrades to five existing playgrounds in Ashtead, Dorking, Bookham and Leatherhead and a new destination play area in Leatherhead. 

Improvements will focus on creating safe, inclusive and future‑proofed play environments that support healthy, active lifestyles and community wellbeing. 

Proludic will work in partnership with MVDC to design, consult on and install the new play spaces, bringing specialist expertise in inclusive and sustainable play design while keeping local communities involved and informed throughout the process.

NOTE: It is worth recording here that it was local people, the ARA and our Local Councillors who have pushed hard for the release of these SCIL funds and indeed in terms of local residents and ARA Committee members (Stephen Kershaw and Richard Ryan) have actually carried out repairs!

A spokesman for MVDC said: 

“Our parks, play areas and open spaces are an important part of everyday life for families across Mole Valley. This programme gives us the opportunity to invest in modern, high‑quality, accessible play spaces that will also reflect our community needs. 

“We’re really excited to be working with Proludic and move from planning into delivery, with a strong focus on inclusive design, safety and long‑term sustainability. Engaging with local communities will be crucial to the process, particularly listening to children and young people so the spaces genuinely meet their needs. 

With early engagement and planning work now underway, and with key stakeholders and local communities involved throughout, the programme will be delivered in phases over the next two years, creating lasting benefits for residents and visitors across the district.” 

Rob Baker, Managing Director at Proludic said: 

“We’re proud to have been selected to work in partnership with Mole Valley District Council on this ambitious programme. Our focus is on creating inspiring, inclusive and durable play environments that reflect local needs and support children’s physical, social and emotional development. We look forward to working closely with communities to bring these spaces to life.” 

Residents will be kept informed as the programme progresses.