Council Approves Significant Capital Investment for King George V Playing Fields and Gatty Park
Council Approves Significant Capital Investment for King George V Playing Fields and Gatty Park
Last month, Hyndburn Borough Council approved a substantial investment in green spaces as part of its budget-setting process.
The Council has agreed to allocate £595,440 for extensive drainage and reseeding works to restore King George V Playing Fields for regular sports use. Additionally, repairs will be made to the heating and hot water system in the pavilion that serves the site.
The playing fields have been out of use for several years, as previously planned improvements were dependent on the Council selling other assets to fund the scheme. The Council has now agreed to remove this restriction this year, and work is underway to develop the contract specification, which will go out to tender in the coming weeks.
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces, said:
“We are thrilled to approve this investment. This site has been out of use for too long now. The planned works will significantly improve the drainage of the playing fields which has been a problem for as long as I can remember, making it suitable for football and other sports use for the long term. We expect work to be underway by late spring or early summer and plan to have the site back in use by September 2026.”
Image: Councillor Kimberley Whitehead at King George V Playing Fields
At the same Council meeting, £100,000 was allocated for play area improvements, which this year will focus on Gatty Park in Church, subject to Cabinet approval later in the year. The existing play equipment at the park is over 15 years old, with the refurbishment due to deliver new, modern equipment for children of all ages to enjoy.
Gatty Park is one of the Council’s 11 Green Flag Parks and home to Elmfield Hall, a thriving Grade II listed building managed by Community Solutions North West and used by hundreds of local residents every week.
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of the Council said:
“I’m delighted that the Council agreed to invest in our play areas. Last year we made significant improvements to Mercer Park in Clayton-Le-Moors and Masefield Close Play area in Great Harwood, both of which were well received by local families who make use of these facilities.
Hyndburn is blessed with 11 Green Flag parks and so many more fantastic open spaces. Play areas are an important resource for families and we are committed to continue to make improvements to play areas across Hyndburn. This year, we have chosen to focus on Gatty Park in Church and I look forward to seeing the results.”
Image: Councillor Munsif Dad at Gatty Park play area
Funding for King George V Playing Fields and play area improvements was agreed as part of Hyndburn Borough Council’s capital programme, which was formally approved on 27th February 2025.
Additional parks and open space related investment agreed at the same meeting includes improvements to Lowerfold Park footpaths, CCTV at Mercer Park Bowling Green, fencing at Oak Hill Park bowling green and £40,000 towards improvements and repurposing of Bullough Park pavilion.