A new playground has opened in Downham after a £95k investment featuring inclusive play equipment and a sensory area.

The new playground was opened in Durham Hill in Downham by Lewisham’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Louise Krupski, along with the reception class from Good Shepherd Primary School on Moorside Road.

Durham Hill, formerly named Downham Fields, is located in Downham in close proximity to Bromley, and is a popular area with local schools, sports groups and families.

The playground follows on from a £95,000 investment from the NCL Community Fund, the Lewisham Mayor’s Greening Fund and the London Marathon Trust, and consultancy work with local community groups.

The new playground will offer an outdoor playing space to over 6,000 local homes within the Downham Estate area.

One of the key elements of the newly opened playground is accessibility, with the playground featuring a multi play unit, sensory panels and inclusive seating and carousel.

Alongside these new additions, the playground has also received aesthetic work including the installation of new surfaces, fencing and benches.

Gloria Lambert-Morris, Downham Community Action, said: “I am so happy to see our beautiful new playground finished and open.

“It’s going to make such a big difference to young children and their families in Downham. Play space is so important for both physical and mental health.”

Last week's opening was also attended by residents from Downham Community Action Group and Downham Matters, along with Downham councillors Cllr Andre Bourne, Cllr Oana Olaru-Holmes and Cllr Coral Howard.

Cllr Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We are committed to continue to work with our communities to improve play opportunities for all children in the borough, improving children’s health, quality of life and well-being.

“We’ll continue to work with community groups to secure more future funding for further green investments across the borough, prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents.”