Play Giant provides playground refurbishment and upgrade services , replacing worn equipment, updating surfacing and refreshing layouts so ageing playgrounds meet current safety and design standards.
Playground refurbishment is the process of assessing an existing play area and replacing, repairing or reconfiguring equipment and surfacing to bring it up to current standards. Play Giant carries out refurbishments across ranging from single-item replacement to full-site redesign.
Play Giant's refurbishment projects typically involve several stages depending on the condition of the existing site.
Condition survey – assessing equipment, surfacing and fixings for wear or failure.
Equipment removal and replacement – swapping out ageing or non-compliant items.
Surfacing renewal – replacing worn wetpour, rubber tiles or bonded mulch.
Layout redesign – reconfiguring the space for better flow and equipment mix.
Refurbishment becomes necessary when a routine inspection flags equipment as beyond repair, when surfacing has worn below the required impact-absorption depth, or when a site simply wants to modernise a playground that's fallen behind current design standards.
Full condition survey and inspection report for the existing site.
Design proposal covering replacement equipment, surfacing and layout changes.
Removal of non-compliant or worn equipment and surfacing.
Installation of new equipment and surfacing to current standards.
Final inspection and sign-off before handover to the client.
Schools and councils across are the most frequent refurbishment clients, alongside housing associations and leisure operators updating playgrounds that have aged past their expected service life.
Refurbishment projects typically cost from around £5,000 to £50,000, depending on scale. A partial refurbishment replacing a few items often costs £5,000–£15,000, while a full-site refurbishment with new equipment and surfacing throughout can reach £35,000–£50,000, confirmed exactly once the condition survey is complete.
Restored compliance – brings ageing sites back in line with current standards.
Cost-effective modernisation – often cheaper than a full new-build playground.
Improved play value – updated layouts and equipment increase engagement.
Extended site life – refurbishment adds another 15–20 years of service life.
Refurbished playgrounds must meet current BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 standards, even where the original equipment predates these requirements. Play Giant brings sites fully up to standard as part of every refurbishment project.
Costs typically range from £5,000 to £50,000 depending on scale, confirmed exactly once the site is surveyed.
Most refurbishment projects take 5–15 days depending on scope, covering removal, replacement and surfacing.
A refurbished playground typically gains a further 15–20 years of service life, provided routine maintenance continues.
Refurbished playgrounds need the same routine checks as new sites, with a full safety inspection at least once a year.
Most existing playground sites can be refurbished, though Play Giant's condition survey confirms whether refurbishment or a full rebuild is the better option.
Sites with an ageing playground can get a clear, no-obligation cost breakdown from Play Giant before any work begins.
Refurbishment projects often include replacing ageing equipment with modern multi-play units to improve play value and durability.
Many upgrades also introduce inclusive play equipment, making playgrounds more accessible for every child.
Older play areas can be revitalised with themed play areas, creating fresh and engaging outdoor environments.
Our playground design consultation helps plan cost-effective improvements tailored to your available space and budget.
Professional play equipment installation ensures every new feature is fitted safely and efficiently.
After refurbishment, ongoing play equipment maintenance helps preserve the quality and safety of your upgraded playground.