Development partner Alliance Leisure was appointed by the council through the UK Leisure Framework to deliver the project, which forms part of the council’s 10-year Leisure Strategy. Running until 2028, the strategy outlines Brentwood’s vision for high quality, accessible, affordable and financially sustainable sport and leisure provision with the right mix of facilities to meet the current and future needs of residents.

“The transformation of King George’s Playing Fields is an important part of Brentwood Borough Council’s ambitions to future-proof its leisure and recreation facilities. This project is a prime example of how to re-think public leisure provision, creating accessible and financially sustainable facilities that will ensure a successful future for this much loved park, while improving the health and wellbeing of local people,” said Ruth Ripsher, Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure.

A key feature of the project is a new pavilion building. The existing pavilion, which was predominantly used by Hartswood Golf Club, was built in the 1970s and required significant work to upgrade the site and make it fully accessible.

Designed by Saunders Boston Architects and built by ISG, the new Hartswood Pavilion is larger than its predecessor to serve both the golf club and the wider public with an extended range of facilities, including the park’s first indoor play provision.

The space includes new changing rooms, toilet and showers for local rugby and football teams, a golf clubhouse and bar as well as a Golf Pro shop. Other facilities include a multi-purpose room, Changing Places facility, new café, a two-storey soft play facility and a sensory room. The new pavilion also features TAGactive, an indoor game-based obstacle course.

Supplementing the indoor provision are external facilities including an adventure play area and new, accessible splash pad which has been developed on the footprint of the park’s former paddling pools, which were removed in 2017 for health and safety reasons. Supported by a Changing Places facility, new toilets and a kiosk, the new play space features nature themed aquatic play structures and a variety of ground water jets such as sidewinders, directional jets and a cylinder spray to provide a wide range of play opportunities. 

Opening in April, both the splash pad and climbing facility are chargeable, while the park’s recently improved junior and toddler play areas are free of charge.

Everyone Active will operate the site on behalf of the council.