Plans to upgrade a popular playground in the heart of Richmond Park have been put forward.

The Royal Parks, which manages the 2,500-acre park in South West London, has unveiled designs for a revamp of Petersham Gate Playground.

The charity will improve the playground by installing new equipment, making it more accessible for play and improving facilities for children with additional needs. It will add bird boxes and bug hotels to the playground, along with using natural materials for the equipment and adding more shaded areas.

The plans also include improved paths through the playground, new seats and more plants based on species found in the park – including hedges, trees, shrubs and grasses. The playground will shut in January to allow the works to be carried out, before reopening in spring.

The Royal Parks said the playground needs a renewal as it was last restored more than 20 years ago. The charity collected feedback from residents and schoolchildren to put together designs that would make the playground more welcoming and inclusive.

Paul Richards, Richmond Park's manager said: "After decades of play enjoyed by thousands and thousands of children, some of the current play features have become worn – and we wanted to make the site much more accessible.

"We've worked with the local community to find out what's important to them, and we have included their views in the development of new designs for a refreshed and improved playground.

"Please bear with us while we deliver this exciting project. We look forward to welcoming back thousands of children next spring, to enjoy social, physical and creative free play within the wonderful natural backdrop of Richmond Park – and to create memories to last a lifetime."

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