New play equipment unveiled at Bellingham Play Park
The community came together on Sunday 19 July to celebrate the completion of the first phase of improvements to the playground, marking a major milestone in a community-led campaign that has placed local residents at the heart of the park's transformation.
The project was led by local community group Waterlink Way of Life and developed in partnership with Lewisham Council, local residents and key partners. More than 250 people shared their views and helped shape the plans over the past two years.
In 2024, the play park was voted London's "saddest playground" as part of London Play's public campaign, highlighting the need for investment and helping build support for improvements.
This first phase was funded through £35,700 from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) and a further £57,800 secured through the Veolia Environmental Trust. Following a competitive tender process, Kompan was appointed to deliver the play new equipment – now open for local families to enjoy.
Further upgrades to the playground are planned, including additional play equipment, landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, a community garden and new facilities for older children and young people.
Cllr Corin Ashwell – Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action:
“It’s wonderful to see local families enjoying the new play facilities at Bellingham Play Park. Parks and green spaces are at the heart of our communities and play areas like this help children stay active, support their wellbeing and bring people together. This transformation has been made possible by the dedication of residents, volunteers - particularly the Waterlink Way of Life – the Council and key partners. It’s a great example of what can be achieved when we work together. With its unique riverside setting, this is a fantastic place for children to play, explore and connect with nature. We look forward to building on this success with further improvements.”
Cllr Rotimi Skyers – Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture:
“Listen, every child deserves a top-quality place to play and make friends, so you have to applaud the power of community spirit, which transformed Bellingham Play Park from ‘London’s saddest playground’ into something that makes us all proud to be from Lewisham.
“This success story has been made possible by local families, volunteers and organisations who came together to say that our children deserve better. These improvements are about more than new equipment; they are an intergenerational investment in our children and our families. I hope this playground creates happy memories for years to come.”
Livi De Santos – representative, Waterlink Way of Life:
“We're delighted to see Bellingham Play Park filled with happy children and families. What was once an old, rundown playground with very little to do has been transformed into a fun, welcoming play space, designed around what our community wanted.
“This project has been a true community effort, delivered in partnership with Lewisham Council and made possible by the many wonderful volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to help create a fantastic place for local people to enjoy.
“We're not stopping here. We have exciting plans to strengthen the connection between the play park, nature and the Pool River, so watch this space.”
Andrew Brown – Executive Director, Veolia Environmental Trust:
"We were delighted to be invited to the opening event of the rejuvenated Bellingham Play Park and to see members of the community enjoying the new play equipment. Our grant of £57,800 was made possible through the Landfill Communities Fund, and we were so pleased to be able to support the London Borough of Lewisham to transform the park into a safe, accessible area that can be enjoyed by younger and older children and their families and carers".