Greenwich Council has unveiled controversial transformation plans for its youth play services that could see two adventure play centres close completely as the authority battles significant financial pressures.
Financial Pressures Drive Changes
The council confirmed that five adventure play centres currently cost £730,000 annually to operate, with the authority facing a £45.1 million budget gap that's predicted to exceed £100 million by 2028/29. Council officials stated that changes to the adventure play centre offerings are essential as "it is necessary to make savings."
Beyond financial considerations, the council aims to make facilities "more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for the future." Many existing sites are described as outdated and requiring investment to meet modern safety standards.
Site-by-Site Proposals
Woolwich Adventure Play Centre faces complete closure due to its "unsuitable location and health risks linked to traffic pollution" from nearby Woolwich Church Street. The council proposes building a new multi-use games area at Maryon Park, though this would be unsupervised unlike the current staffed facility.
Glyndon Adventure Play Centre in Plumstead may also shut as a supervised play centre, with consideration given to opening its outdoor space for unsupervised public use. Services from both threatened centres could relocate to nearby community venues.
Coldharbour Adventure Play Centre would see a £1.5 million investment to transform into a community hub serving all age groups. Council Leader Anthony Okereke described it as "the perfect space for the community to thrive" and a potential model for borough-wide rollout.
Meridian Adventure Play Centre would become a supervised community youth hub hosting various youth activities throughout the year, contributing to a borough-wide network of youth support services.
Plumstead Adventure Play Centre, being the most used facility with over 50% more visits than other centres, will remain unchanged. The council noted its popularity with children under five and the absence of suitable alternative locations.
Consultation and Next Steps
The public consultation began on November 17 and will run until December 14. Residents can participate through the council's dedicated website or collect paper copies from adventure play centres, libraries, and community centres across the borough.
Separate consultations will follow for the proposed Coldharbour Community Hub and Meridian Community Youth Hub, allowing further community input on these specific transformations.
