Work is set to start on the new playground at Gostrey Meadow at the start of June. The playground design was chosen by the people of Farnham after a two-stage public consultation.  

During the first stage of the consultation, people were asked what they would like to see in the new playground. Following a tendering process, a playground contractor was selected, and they used the consultation feedback to inform three designs. 

The designs were revealed in February and people were asked to vote for their preferred playground. There was a clear preference with the winning option receiving 66% of the votes cast. 

Some of the features of the chosen design include plenty of shade from the sun, colourful surface designs, a multi-tower unit designed to resemble a mill local to Farnham, a high metal slide, wheelchair accessible roundabout, a nest swing and standup seesaw. A sensory lions’ den, which is being sponsored by Farnham Lions, will form part of phase two.

In response to feedback, a new communication board has also been introduced.

Councillor Graham White, Leader of Farnham Town Council says: “The preferred design emerged as the clear winner and reflects the community’s vision for an engaging, inclusive, and modern play space for children and families.

“This project represents a significant investment in outdoor play and underscores our commitment to young people and providing high-quality spaces for all families to enjoy.”

Alongside the playground project, Farnham Town Council is also awaiting planning permission to build a new amenity building with toilets, baby change facilities and storage for the equipment used during events at Gostrey Meadow. 

The play area will be built in two phases. Phase one will see the installation of most of the new equipment, fencing and the new playground surface up to the edge of the Borelli Shelter closest to the river. Subject to planning, phase two will be the new amenity building, picnic tables, additional play equipment and the refurbished Borelli Shelter.

The existing playground will close on 2 June. It is anticipated that the new playground will be completed before the summer holidays in July 2025 and the second phase in 2026. 

During construction the nearest alternative playgrounds are at Farnham Park, Morley Road, Langhams Recreation Ground, Sandy Hill and Hale Recreation Grounds.

To see the winning design and to find out answers to some frequently asked questions about the project, visit www.farnham.gov.uk/playground-consultation.