Gosforth Central Park play area to be rebuilt in 2027 after £125,000 funding is secured

Families who use the play area in Gosforth Central Park have good news to look forward to. The money for a major refurbishment is now in place, and Newcastle City Council expects work on the playground to begin in early 2027.

It is the outcome of the community campaign we reported on in the summer, when local fundraisers were asking residents to help pay for a brighter, more inclusive play park.

Where the money is coming from

The project will cost about £125,000 in total. The council has committed £47,000, and the Gosforth Community Foundation, the charity supported by the Gosforth Central shopping centre on the High Street, has raised more than £73,000.

The foundation's share has been built up over three years: around £27,000 from donations, £17,000 from grants and £29,000 from events. Those events include the outdoor cinema and outdoor theatre nights held in the park each year, which draw more than 1,400 people, as well as children's discos. The foundation will keep fundraising to cover the rest of the cost.

What will change

About 60% of the play equipment will be replaced with new equipment, and a trim trail will be added. The remaining equipment will be refurbished rather than removed. The neighbouring basketball court is also part of the wider scheme, and once the playground work is under way the fundraising focus will move to repairing the court.

The foundation has already put money into the park, donating £10,000 for repairs and upgrades, including to the zip wire, and paying for a new defibrillator.

A joint effort

Council leader Colin Ferguson, who is also a ward councillor for Gosforth, welcomed the partnership, describing it as an example of what a council and a community can achieve together. The foundation thanked everyone who has donated or come along to its events. Full details are in the council's announcement.

While the work is being planned, there are other places to play nearby. Our guide to the best playgrounds in Gosforth covers the alternatives.

Got news from a Gosforth community group? Get in touch.