£2.3m Armagh borough playpark upgrade moves forward as contractor appointed

A £2.3 million programme to improve playparks across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough has moved forward with the appointment of Garden Escapes Ltd as the main contractor.

The ABC Council investment will fund the refurbishment of 12 existing playparks and the development of five new facilities over the next two years. The Capital Play Development Programme is expected to run from 2026 to 2028.

First work expected later this year

Work is expected to begin later in 2026 at the first three playparks included in the programme: Abercorn Park and Pinebank playparks in Craigavon, and Huntly playpark in Banbridge.

Residents and other local stakeholders are expected to have a direct opportunity to discuss the proposals for each playpark. The council said engagement on the upgrade plans would take place over the coming weeks.

Contractor appointed for borough-wide investment

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, met Council officers and Richard Stuart, managing director of Garden Escapes Ltd, following the appointment. Claire Duddy, the council’s Head of Climate, Sustainability and Parks, was also pictured at the announcement.

“This is a very important investment by the Council, which will deliver real and tangible benefits to children and young families right across this borough.”

Councillor O’Dowd said play was essential to children’s development and described playparks as vital community spaces. The council said further details about individual upgrades would be released as the programme progresses.