St Johns Playground
Following Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board and Cabinet approval, the Board are taking forward in Year 1 the three early delivery projects below:
- St Johns Playground - the installation of a new playground at St Johns Park in Earlestown to replace existing equipment and create an inclusive, fully accessible recreation space for young people in the heart of the community.
- Earlestown Town Hall Audio-Visual and Lighting - the installation of professional, high-quality Audio-Visual and lighting infrastructure in the main hall of Earlestown Town Hall to add further functionality and community uses beyond the restoration of the historic building into a flexible, multi-use space for the community.
- Arts on Prescription - a programme of arts and creative workshops for adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, providing a creative route to wellbeing based at Newton Library.
What will the St Johns Playground regeneration include?
A key objective of St Johns Playground regeneration includes the provision of a play facility for all based on PiPA Play (Plan Inclusive Play Areas) definition of accessible and inclusive play spaces, covering two core elements being accessibility, nurturing the senses and dynamic play. This will ensure that a range of ages and abilities can learn, interact, imagine and play together.
It includes the installation of a dedicated playground, to expand on the existing playground in St Johns Open Space, Earlestown, and provide accessible equipment. This facility will include approximately 100+ features able to accommodate eighty users aged from two to fourteen. The total cost also includes improvements to footpaths and landscaping, whilst doubling the size of the existing playground.
St Johns Playground - Have Your Say!
The Council began engagement with young people from Friday 15th May 2026, to understand the preferred theme for the playground to reflect the local heritage and community, alongside the preferred playground equipment to be installed.
Next Steps
Following community engagement, your views will inform the design of St Johns Playground and the start of the planning process will commence prior to a procurement exercise via STAR Procurement to award a contract for the formal design process, equipment order and installation.
As of Spring 2026, it is expected that the project will be completed in Winter 2026, subject to requisite planning approvals and procurement activity.
