Under the agreement the rent, worth £22,750 a year, has been waived, and in exchange High Trees will invest in the site and run it as a not-for-profit centre for younger people. Upgrade work tied to the agreement is set to start this month.
The adventure playground in Greenleaf Close on the Tulse Hill Estate provides open access free play and youth activities in a safe environment on six days of the week for eight- to 18-year-olds, after school and at the weekends.
Established by residents
High Trees Community Development Trust was established by residents in 1998 to serve the needs of the community in Tulse Hill. Their lease agreement proposal had backing from community groups in the area.
Cllr Ben Kind, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “I’m delighted that Lambeth Council has agreed this new long-term lease with High Trees, securing the future of the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground for the next generation.
“By waiving the rent, we’re unlocking vital investment and helping ensure this much-loved space continues to support safe, free and inclusive play for local children and young people.
“This agreement reflects Lambeth’s long-standing commitment to empowering communities to lead the way in shaping vital services for young people.
“I want to thank High Trees for their commitment to the community and for the huge amount of work they’ve already done to make this playground a hub of creativity, learning and fun. This is a great example of how local partnerships can deliver lasting benefits for families.”
Community partnership
The rent waiver agreed with High Trees supports the council’s approach to the running of adventure playgrounds that has been in place for a number of years, and focused on putting the community in charge of running these important neighbourhood youth and play sites.
High Trees have been running the site under previous terms since 2012. The new lease term now boosts their ability to fundraise for new outdoor play equipment, and High Trees have already secured around £200,000 towards the adventure playground renewal on condition that this new agreement is in place.
Thrilled
Grace English and Anna Coffey, the Co-CEOs of High Trees said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that the future of Tulse Hill Adventure Playground has been secured for the children and young people who use it, and future generations too.
“This agreement, and the support of the Council, gives us the foundation to raise the long-term funding and investment the playground needs and the children are so excited that soon the amazing new play structures will be in place.”
