Diggers Move In as Gatty Park Gets a Playful Makeover

11/05/2026

Work begins on vibrant new equipment and inclusive features, reopening this summer for local families.

Building work is under way to create an improved play area for children in Church, Accrington.

The Gatty Park play area improvement scheme is a step closer now that work has begun, with the existing equipment currently being safely removed prior to the installation of new play equipment and resurfacing works.

Contractors from Groundwork and Leisure Services Ltd, who successfully bid for the project after an open tender process, will be on site for approximately the next 10 weeks, with the improved play area set to reopen in July 2026.

The project is being funded by a £40,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, adding to £70,000 of council investment from Hyndburn Borough Council and £30,000 awarded by Lancashire Environmental Fund (LEF). The funding will deliver a full refurbishment of the existing play area, replacing equipment that is now more than 15 years old with modern, inclusive facilities designed for children of all ages and abilities.

Councillor Stewart Eaves, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services at Hyndburn Borough Council said:

“It’s great to see work on this well used play area begin. We are extremely grateful for the funding FCC Communities Foundation has given us and we’re looking forward to re-opening to the public during the summer. We’ve committed to improving play areas across Hyndburn and these improvements to Gatty Park are a sign of more things to come this year.

Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager from FCC Communities Foundation said:

“We are delighted to support the redevelopment of the Gatty Park play area. It’s clear how much this space means to local families, and we’re pleased that our funding will help create a modern, inclusive and imaginative place for children to enjoy for many years to come. Seeing ideas from local children incorporated into the final design makes this project even more special.”

Local children were invited to share their ideas for the play area last year, some of which have been incorporated into the design.

The newly redeveloped playground will feature a wide range of play equipment, including: a Mizzenmast climbing net, a swing set with an inclusive seat and cradle swing, an inclusive springy, a Whirlybob seated rotator, stepping pods, a We-hopper two-way bouncer, a four-seat carousel, a campervan play unit, a bike springy, an inclusive see-saw and a large climbing unit. Together, these features will provide opportunities for imaginative play, physical activity and inclusive fun for families across the borough.