A new multi-use games area and hang-out space for teenagers and families has opened at Charrington Way, Broadbridge Heath, paid for by developer contributions.

A new multi-use games area and recreation space has opened at Charrington Way in Broadbridge Heath, about two miles west of Horsham town centre. It was designed for older children, teenagers and families.

Horsham District Council announced the opening on 5 November (Horsham District Council). Broadbridge Heath Parish Council delivered the project. It was paid for with Section 106 contributions, the money developers pay towards local facilities when they build new homes in the area.

What is there

The parish council’s brief asked for a “Whole Family Sports and Recreation Experience” (contract notice). The design was to include:

  • multi-sports provision
  • seating and a “hang-out” area
  • where possible, a sensory trail or wildflower area

The district council says the finished space has an open, inclusive design, with extra benches and social seating. It says that reflects feedback and best practice showing that informal places to sit and meet “are particularly valued by girls”.

What it cost

The parish council awarded the contract to ESP Play Limited for £102,000 excluding VAT, or £122,400 including VAT. The contract was signed on 21 November 2025 (Find a Tender).

The tender had set a budget of £110,000 before VAT, and said the space should be open for Easter 2026 (tender notice). The signed contract ran from 2 February to 20 March 2026, with a possible extension to 1 May because a planning submission was needed.

What the council said

Cllr Ruth Fletcher, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, thanked the parish council for delivering it. “It provides a fantastic space for recreation, exercise and social interaction,” she said, “and we look forward to the further enhancements and finishing touches to the site in the near future.”

What it means for you

  • It is open now and free to use, at the Charrington Way recreation ground.
  • More is still to come. The council mentions finishing touches but has not said what they are or when. We will add them when it does.
  • This is where Section 106 money goes. Developer contributions from new homes in a parish are spent on facilities like this one. You can follow new applications and their contributions on our Horsham planning applications page.

Sources