Work on new Clapham Common waterplay area to begin this month

Work on a new waterplay facility on Clapham Common will begin this month as part of a £1,000,000 investment to replace the paddling pool near Clapham Old Town.

A popular destination since the 1950s, the Clapham Common paddling pool has not functioned for several years. The new splashpad will feature a range of multi-function water jets to provide a sensory experience for children of all ages, as well as fully accessible and child-friendly toilets, cycle parking, and parking for family cargo bikes.

The new facility, which is expected to open this summer, is part of the nearly £1million investment in various improvements around Clapham Common to be completed as part of the Clapham Common Masterplan objectives for 2020-2025.

Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth & Clean Air, said: "This new waterplay facility is an exciting addition to Clapham Common and an example of Lambeth Council's commitment to investing in sustainable, community-focused initiatives.

"We're delighted that this project will provide accessible and inclusive water play for children of all abilities, as well as an opportunity for families and visitors to come together and enjoy the green spaces of the borough."

Simon Millson, Chair of the Clapham Common MAC, the community group working with Lambeth Council to develop the waterplay, said: "Over the years, many people who grew up in Clapham will have fond memories of splashing about in the old paddling pool. It is time however to replace the disused paddling pool with a modern and exciting new waterplay – one which young people can enjoy for many years to come and create new childhood memories."

The waterplay facility will be fully accessible to all children, including those with physical, developmental and sensory disabilities. It will provide a rest and active play space for children and their parents or carers to enjoy and connect, with positive health outcomes, particularly for inner-city children from low-income families who may not otherwise have an opportunity to enjoy a sensory water experience during the warm summer months and over the summer holidays. The new facility will also provide opportunities for local businesses by increasing footfall in this part of Clapham Common.

Clapham Common's waterplay will feature an environmentally considerate and energy-efficient re-circulating water system to power the jet network. The design was selected in response to community needs and priorities and constitutes an efficient and creative use of the existing disused paddling pool space to provide an enjoyable rest and play area for children and their parents or carers, ensuring full accessibility throughout.