Multi million pound investment approved to transform play areas and community spaces
Castle Point Borough Council has approved a major investment programme to improve play areas, parks and community open spaces across the Borough.
At its Cabinet meeting on 17 June 2026, Cabinet unanimously agreed how to allocate a £2.5 million Community Investment Fund to deliver upgrades to some of the Borough’s most well used facilities.
The programme will see targeted investments in playgrounds, open spaces, sports facilities and community infrastructure across the Borough.
Key projects include:
New 3G pitch at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre: £200k match funding that will potentially open up £800k funding from the FA
Canvey Lake improvements: £500k for desilting (dredging) and environmental improvement works which will potentially be match funded by the Pride in Place Board to total £1 million
Multiple playground sites for rejuvenation: £730k for upgrades at:
- King George V Playing Fields in Benfleet
- Leigh Beck Open Space in Canvey Island
- Kismet Park in Canvey Island
- King George V Playing Fields in Canvey Island
- Woodside Park in Benfleet
Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) and sports provision upgrades: £450k including:
- new MUGA at South Benfleet Playing Fields
- an upgrade to the MUGA at King George V Playing Fields in Canvey
- new outdoor gym equipment at Richmond Park
- increased seating including picnic benches at Hadleigh Memorial Recreation Ground
- public space improvements and refurbishment St Mary’s Gardens in South Benfleet
- grants towards toilet and shower refurbishment at HOME Hub and community garden improvements
- a grant to Castle Point Bowls Club at Woodside Park towards a new pétanque court
- a grant to Benfleet Cricket Club towards cricket nets and pitch improvements
In addition to funding through the Community Investment Fund, the Council has secured £270,000 in external government funding to support key playground improvements on Canvey Island, helping to maximise value for money.
Following approval, work will now begin on detailed design, procurement and delivery, with projects rolling out in phases over the coming months.
Cllr Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council said: "This is a significant investment in the places that matter most to our residents."
Cllr Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council said: “We know how important high-quality parks, play areas and community facilities are for families and young people and this programme will bring visible improvements across the Borough.”
Cllr Stephen Mountford, Cabinet Member for Resources added: “This represents the largest investment the Council has made in play areas and community open spaces to date.
“Every pound invested through this programme is focused on improving everyday spaces that people rely on. It’s about supporting healthier lifestyles, stronger communities and making our Borough an even better place to live.”
The Community Investment Fund follows on from the £1 million the Council has already invested in rejuvenating the playgrounds at Richmond Park and Hadleigh Memorial Park and the installation of two new Multi Use Games Arenas at Woodside Park and Thundersely Recreation Ground as well as the Borough’s first inclusive an accessible playground at South Benfleet Playing Fields.