New play space marks exciting first step in Joyce and Snells regeneration

Families in Upper Edmonton gathered to celebrate the opening of the St James Play Space, a vibrant new playground designed to bring joy, connection and safe play to children living in and around the Joyce and Snells Estates.

This new, meanwhile-use facility marks an exciting first step in the delivery of the Joyce and Snells Regeneration Scheme, which will transform the area with more than 2,000 new homes, a large public park, and improved community facilities.

Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the playground is part of Enfield Council’s Shaping Edmonton Programme, which is focused on delivering immediate benefits for residents while long-term redevelopment plans progress.

The launch event was a lively celebration of community spirit, featuring activities for all ages. Highlights included: football coaching and calisthenics with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation; youth bus from Enfield Council Youth Services; face painting and giant games provided by Hill Partnerships; boxing sessions from Edmonton Eagles; magic from Mr Tickles and music from DJ & MC Academy.

Residents also had the opportunity to meet the Hill Partnerships team who installed the playground, speak with Council Officers about the regeneration plans, and learn more about support available in the borough. Officers from the Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities improvement team were on hand to offer advice, and local police attended to engage with the community.

Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council, said: “This new play space is a fantastic example of how we’re achieving real, tangible improvements for our communities now, while we work on the long-term improvement of Edmonton. It’s about creating spaces where families can come together, children can play safely and neighbours can connect.”

Cllr Ayten Guzel, Cabinet Member for Housing, added: “The St James Play Space is just the beginning. It shows our commitment to putting residents first and ensuring that the regeneration of Joyce and Snells is about more than buildings. It’s about people, community and opportunity.”

The St James Play Space is a key milestone in the Shaping Edmonton programme and a visible sign that the regeneration of Joyce and Snells is underway.