We were appointed by Winchester City Council to carry out improvement works within the prestigious Abbey Gardens playground, a historic and much-loved public space in the heart of the city. Following the original playground installation, several areas between the equipment safety surfacing had been left as exposed soil. Over time, these areas struggled to recover, becoming compacted and waterlogged, and eventually turning into muddy bogs that made the playground difficult to use — particularly during wet weather. Our task was to install rubber bound mulch surfacing to infill all the exposed areas, creating a continuous, attractive, and low-maintenance finish that would stand up to heavy use while preserving the garden’s heritage setting. Swipe for more The completed project transformed the appearance and usability of the playground, providing a durable and visually cohesive finish throughout the site. Key features and benefits include: Rubber Bound Mulch Surfacing: The new surfacing provides a soft, impact-absorbing layer that blends naturally with the surrounding landscape while offering superior durability. Improved Drainage and Erosion Control: Unlike soil, rubber mulch does not compact or wash away. It allows for excellent water permeability and prevents erosion in high-traffic areas, ensuring the ground remains stable and usable all year round. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: The natural tones of the mulch complement the historic setting of Abbey Gardens, maintaining the traditional feel of the space while giving it a cleaner, well-kept appearance. Low Maintenance: The rubber mulch surface requires minimal upkeep, reducing long-term maintenance costs for the council and ensuring the playground remains inviting for visitors. This solution not only solved the long-standing issue of muddy, eroded areas but also significantly improved the overall presentation of this important public site. Delivering this project required careful logistical planning due to the highly constrained and sensitive nature of the site. Abbey Gardens is enclosed by centuries-old Winchester brick walls and bordered by a river and narrow pedestrian pathways, making conventional site access virtually impossible. To overcome these challenges, our team developed an innovative and environmentally sensitive access strategy: Temporary Clearance and Replanting: We carefully removed an area of trees and shrubbery adjacent to the rear wall to create a temporary access route. All vegetation was safely lifted and replanted elsewhere within the gardens for protection during the works. Specialist Compound Construction: A secure working compound was built in this area, providing space to lift diggers, dumpers, and our 500kg rubber mulch mixer over the wall, along with over 50 tonnes of stone required for the base build-up. Soil Removal and Ground Protection: More than 65 tonnes of soil were removed from site using the same lifting method. We installed ground boards to create protective pathways, preventing damage to existing turf and surfaces. Full Reinstatement: After completing the surfacing works, we fully reinstated the site, replanting all trees and shrubbery, reinstating turf where necessary, and leaving no trace of our temporary access route. The entire playground was left in pristine condition, with the new surfacing seamlessly integrated into the historic setting. The Abbey Gardens playground surfacing project stands as a testament to our versatility, problem-solving ability, and respect for sensitive environments. Despite extremely limited access and complex site conditions, our team delivered a flawless result with minimal disruption to the surrounding gardens. The project lead from Winchester City Council commended our efforts, stating that he “couldn’t even tell we’d been on site.” This project perfectly demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality, bespoke solutions — even in the most challenging and historically sensitive locations. Playground Surface Improvements at Abbey Gardens, Winchester
The Brief
Key features
Obstacles and Solutions
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