Kingston PlayZone

A pdf version of the FAQ's information is available in the 'Files' section of this page

How to view the planning applications

Visit the Kingston Planning Portal at: 

https://publicaccess.kingston.gov.uk/online-applications/

You can then search using the relevant application reference number below:

• Beverley Park (New Malden): The council is awaiting a reference number for this PlayZone. We will add it here as soon as we have it.

• Churchfields Recreation Ground (Chessington South & Malden Rushett): 26/01000/CREG3

• Kingston Road Recreation Ground (Norbiton): 26/00993/CREG3

• Manor Park (Motspur Park & Old Malden East): The council is awaiting a reference number for this PlayZone. We will add it here as soon as we have it.

Once viewing the application, you can use the "Make a Public Comment" function to submit your feedback.

About the PlayZones

How will the PlayZones be managed and maintained?

The PlayZones will be managed and maintained through the council’s parks contractor, Glendale. This includes day-to-day operational oversight, routine inspections, cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the facilities remain safe, high-quality and sustainable over the long term.

How will bookings and access work?

The PlayZones will be accessed through an online booking system, similar to the existing park tennis booking system currently used across the borough.

The booking system will help ensure fair and equitable access for residents, community groups and sports clubs, while also enabling the council to manage demand and monitor usage of the facilities.

All PlayZones will incorporate Smart Access technology, including:

•  An online booking platform

• Controlled access systems, such as keypad entry

This approach will help ensure the facilities remain secure, well managed and available for those wishing to use them.

The operational model is expected to include a combination of:

• Bookable sessions for residents, community groups and clubs

• Opportunities for informal and community use

Research from the Football Foundation shows that a booking system can help improve access for a wider range of users, particularly those who may be less confident attending without knowing that space is available.

How will usage be monitored?

Bookings will be managed through a digital platform (Clubspark, working with the Football Foundation), which will allow:

• Tracking of individual bookings and usage levels

• Reporting on group sessions (e.g. type of activity, age group, gender participation)

This ensures the PlayZones are being used as intended and are reaching priority groups.

Will there be a charge to use the PlayZones?

The operational arrangements for the PlayZones are currently being developed and no final decisions have been made regarding charges.

The council's priority is to ensure that the PlayZones are accessible, inclusive and well used by local residents and communities.

The proposed booking system will primarily be used to support fair access and effective management of the facilities.  For example, there may be charges for organised or club use, particularly during peak periods, but any charging arrangements will be carefully considered to ensure they do not create barriers to participation.

Further details will be shared as the project progresses.

How will the PlayZones be safe 

The safety and accessibility of PlayZones has been a key consideration throughout the design and planning process, in particular the safety of women and girls. The approach has been informed by recognised national guidance, including Sport England’s Active Design principles.

Key measures include:

• Design and visibility – PlayZones are enclosed to create a defined activity space; however, they use open mesh fencing to ensure clear visibility into and out of the area. This aligns with best practice to avoid hidden or enclosed spaces.

• Location and natural surveillance – Sites have been selected in well-used, visible areas with good footfall and clear sightlines, supporting natural surveillance and helping users feel safer.

• Lighting – Where floodlighting is included, it will ensure the space is well-lit during operational hours, in line with guidance highlighting the importance of lighting in improving safety and the perception of safety.

• Inclusive access and programming – The PlayZone model, supported by the Football Foundation, is specifically designed to increase participation from underrepresented groups, including women and girls. This includes a mix of open access and bookable sessions.

• Management and oversight – Booking systems and management arrangements will help ensure appropriate use of the space and support a safe and welcoming environment.

• Ongoing engagement – We will continue to engage with local communities, including women and girls, to understand any concerns and refine how the spaces are used and managed.

Overall, the aim is to create active, visible and well-managed spaces that feel safe and welcoming, in line with national best practice for community sports facilities.

Will the PlayZones be open to everyone?

Yes. The PlayZones are designed to be inclusive, accessible community spaces. The combination of bookable sessions and open access periods ensures that:

• Individuals can drop in and use the space

• Groups can plan and book sessions in advance

• Priority groups are supported to access the facility

What is the planning status and timeline?

The PlayZone planning applications will follow a standard local authority planning process. The anticipated timeline is as follows:

• May 2026
  Submission of planning applications
   

• May - June 2026
  Validation of applications by the planning authority and publication for consultation
   

• June - July 2026
  Public consultation period, including opportunity for residents and stakeholders to comment
   

• July - August 2026
  Assessment by planning officers, including consideration of:
   

  • Planning policy

  • Design and location

  • Environmental and community impacts

  • Review of valid objections
     

• August - September 2026 (anticipated)
  Determination of applications
   

• Post-determination

  • Discharge of any planning conditions

  • Final mobilisation and delivery planning
     

• Following approval
  Implementation of the PlayZones and continued engagement with Members and the community

How will local residents and stakeholders be kept informed about PlayZone proposals?

We are committed to keeping local residents, stakeholders and ward councillors informed as PlayZone projects progress.

For each site, we will:

• Install site notices to raise awareness of proposals and any planning applications

• Use the council’s website, newsletters, networks and social media channels to share updates

• Directly contact key local stakeholders, including Friends groups, ward councillors and relevant community organisations

• Provide opportunities for further engagement, including meetings where appropriate

This approach is designed to ensure that residents have clear, accessible information and opportunities to engage at each stage of the project.

A pdf version of the Community Engagement Results Summary, carried out in 2024 by the Fulham FC Foundation on the Council's behalf, is available in the 'Files' section of this page.

Total Responses Received: 304

Question 1: Who are you filling out this form for?

• Myself – 50.6%

• My child – 45.3%

• Organisation (e.g. coach, teacher, carer) – 1.9%

• Other responses – less than 1% each

Key message: Responses were primarily submitted by local residents and parents on behalf of children.

Question 2: Gender

• Male – 64.2%

• Female – 33.1%

• Prefer not to say – 2.3%

• Prefer to self-describe – 0.3%

Question 3: Age Range

• 12–17 years – 39.1%

• 0–11 years – 21.2%

• 40–59 years – 19.5%

• 26–39 years – 11.9%

• 18–25 years – 5.0%

• 60+ years – 1.7%

• Prefer not to say – 1.7%

Key message: Over 60% of responses related to children and young people.

Question 4: Ethnicity

• White – 53.5%

• Asian / Asian British – 12.7%

• Black / African / Caribbean / Black British – 12.4%

• Mixed / Multiple Ethnic Groups – 9.4%

• Prefer not to say – 6.0%

• Arab – 3.3%

• Other Ethnic Group – 1.3%

Question 5: Do you have a disability?

• No – 86.1%

• Yes – 11.3%

• Prefer not to say – 2.6%

Key message: Respondents highlighted the importance of ensuring PlayZones are fully accessible and inclusive.

Question 6: Do you live in Kingston?

• Yes – 73.5%

• No – 26.5%

Question 7: Where in Kingston do you live?

Highest response areas:

1. Norbiton – 14.9%

2. New Malden Village – 11.2%

3. Tolworth – 10.0%

4. Hook & Chessington North – 8.6%

5. Kingston Town – 7.8%

Responses were received from across all areas of the borough.

Question 8: How active are you currently?

• Very active – 46.2%

• Quite active – 33.2%

• Average – 15.7%

• Not very active – 4.9%

Key message: Almost 80% of respondents described themselves as active or very active.

Question 9: What sports and activities would you like to take part in on a PlayZone?

Most popular activities:

1. Football – 259 mentions (22.4%)

2. Basketball – 127 mentions (11.0%)

3. Fitness / Exercise – 126 mentions (10.9%)

4. Tennis – 104 mentions (9.0%)

5. Cricket – 76 mentions (6.6%)

Other activities included volleyball, netball, athletics, skateboarding and general recreation.

Question 10: Who would you prefer to take part in sport and activity with on the PlayZone?

• Friends – 37.1%

• By myself / independently – 21.7%

• Family – 12.8%

• Community groups – 10.8%

• Other activity users – 7.9%

• Sports clubs – 2.5%

Key message: Social and informal use with friends was the strongest theme.

Question 11: What day of the week would you like to take part in sport/activity?

Most popular days:

1. Saturday – 19.8%

2. Sunday – 17.1%

3. Friday – 15.2%

All days received strong support, indicating demand throughout the week.

Question 12: What time of day would you like to take part in sport/activity?

• Afternoon – 40.4%

• Evening – 36.8%

• Morning – 22.8%

Key message: Afternoons and evenings were the preferred times for activity.

Question 13: Where would you most like a new PlayZone facility?

• Dickerage Recreation Ground – 22.4%

• Kingston Road Recreation Ground – 16.3%

• Manor Park – 15.9%

• King George's Playing Fields – 11.0%

• Churchfields Recreation Ground – 9.0%

• Beverley Park – 6.1%

• King Edwards Recreation Ground – 4.9%

• Not sure – 25.3%

Question 14: Would you prefer the PlayZone to be open access or have a formal booking system?

• Mixture of both – 49.7%

• Open access – 26.7%

• Formal booking system – 17.3%

• Not sure – 6.3%

Key message: Residents favoured a hybrid approach combining open access and bookable sessions.

Question 15: Would you be willing to pay to use the facilities?

• Up to £5 – 42.1%

• No – 21.5%

• £5–£10 – 18.5%

• Not sure – 15.6%

• More than £10 – 3.0%

Key message: The largest group indicated they would be willing to pay a modest fee, although maintaining affordable and accessible provision was important.

Question 16: What would you need from a new PlayZone facility?

Most requested features:

1. Toilets – 215 mentions

2. Good lighting – 186 mentions

3. Organised activities – 165 mentions

4. Benches/seating – 140 mentions

5. Coach/instructor support – 120 mentions

6. Close to public transport – 108 mentions

Question 17 & 18: Additional Comments

The most common themes raised were:

• Safe and supervised facilities

• Good lighting

• Accessibility and inclusivity

• Toilets and changing facilities

• Community spaces and seating

• Organised activities and coaching

• Food and drink facilities

• Desire for facilities to be free or low cost

• Strong support for the PlayZones programme

Overall, respondents were overwhelmingly positive about the introduction of PlayZones and the opportunities they could create for local communities.

Overall Conclusion

The survey demonstrated strong support for PlayZones across Kingston. Residents highlighted a desire for safe, accessible and well-managed facilities that support both informal recreation and organised sport, with football, basketball and fitness activities emerging as the most popular uses