Crawley Borough Council has launched a six-week public consultation on Crawley 2040: A new Economic Vision and Growth Plan, setting out a long-term ambition for the borough’s future growth.

The consultation was formally launched at the Invest Crawley Conference on 10 June, chaired by Jo Gumb of White Label Creative, with keynote speeches from Ian Duke, Chief Executive of Crawley Borough Council, and Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council.

The new plan outlines how Crawley can build on its existing strengths to deliver sustainable and productive economic growth over the next 15 years. It aims to create the conditions for the town to realise its full potential as a leading economic centre in the South East.

Crawley already has a strong economic base, with an economy valued at almost £6 billion and a population of around 124,000. The borough has the second highest job density in South East England, supporting around 97,000 jobs—an increase of 8,000 over the past five years. Crawley is also ranked as the seventh most innovative place in the UK, based on patents per capita, and is home to more than 3,400 businesses, including 35 major global firms.

We have a strong and successful local economy, but we are ambitious for Crawley’s future. This plan sets out how we will build on our existing strengths to support sustainable growth, create new opportunities for residents and businesses, and ensure Crawley continues to thrive in the years ahead.

Councillor Michael Jones

Leader of Crawley Borough Council

The Invest Crawley Conference also highlighted progress on key infrastructure and partnership projects, including collaboration with Network Rail to develop plans for upgrading Three Bridges station and working with West Sussex County Council on a new Growth Deal for Crawley.

Residents, businesses and stakeholders are now invited to take part in the consultation. To share your views on the draft Crawley 2040: A new economic vision and growth plan, please visit our consultation page.

The consultation is open until 29 July 2026.

Plans for the refurbishments of the outdoor gym and play area in this popular Redhill park are underway.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council expects installation of new outdoor gym equipment to start next week and has commenced work to procure a contractor for the play area.

New outdoor gym and trim trail

The new outdoor gym and complementary trim trail will have an extensive collection of free-to-use equipment for cardio, calisthenics, strength and resistance training. From the arm bike and cross trainer, to the sit-up bench and stretch station; all elements have been specially selected to provide a full body workout that’s adjustable and accessible for people of all abilities from age 13 and up.

The council’s contractors, Kompan, also offer a free outdoor fitness app, which acts as a digital personal trainer, providing guided exercises and workouts. However, there will also be plenty of signs explaining how to use the equipment with or without a smartphone.

Work is due to start week commencing 29 June to remove the existing trim trail and outdoor gym before installing the new equipment. The new-look outdoor gym and trim trail are expected to be open late July.

Cllr Nadean Moses, Executive Member for Greenspaces and Sustainability says: “Investing in the latest smart fitness equipment will help young people and adults stay fit and healthy. The range of equipment has been selected to provide a full body workout and the optional free mobile app allows people to take advantage of the extra training functions if they wish.

“Outdoor play is vital for children’s physical and mental wellbeing so I’m delighted that we’re upgrading one of our busiest play areas and excited to find out more and share the details as soon as we can.”

Refurbishment of the play area

The Memorial Park play area was originally installed in 2014 as part of a major upgrade of this popular park in Redhill town centre. It now needs updating with new equipment and landscaping which children of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

In May, the Council asked local families and play area visitors for their views on new equipment for Memorial Park. The feedback has helped to shape the brief for potential contractors and work could start on the refurbishment in the autumn and further updates will follow.

The refurbishments of both the outdoor gym and the play area are funded through the community infrastructure levy (a charge that local authorities can set on new development to help fund local facilities and services).

More information about the Council’s 56 play areas and 8 outdoor gyms, can be found in the Parks Directory.

In 2024, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) announced a proposal to relocate the crew and fire engine at Banstead Fire Station to Godstone Fire Station if an appropriate and affordable site in the optimum location of Whyteleafe was not available to buy. This was due to several reasons; the first being that building itself is also not fit for a modern fire and rescue service. It requires a more permanent contaminants management system, appropriate facilities and has no outdoors area for regular crew training (meaning they have to leave Banstead to do so). In addition to this, the fire station building, which is owned by Surrey Police, being sold.

Following two further searches by Surrey County Council’s Land and Property team (Surrey County Council is the Fire and Rescue Authority), no appropriate or affordable site has been found and therefore, the move will go ahead to Godstone.

This means that as of March 2027, the crew and equipment from Banstead will relocate to Godstone Fire Station.

Public safety remains SFRS’s priority and residents will continue to receive an emergency response that meets the services

performance standards. Banstead Fire Station will remain operational until March 2027.

Refurbishment works at Godstone Fire Station are due to commence soon, these will increase capacity for both equipment and crew numbers and ensure the station is modern, efficient and fit for purpose for crews to operate from.

For local residents, this change will not affect how you contact SFRS in an emergency – always dial 999. Calls will continue to be mobilised using the nearest appropriate fire engine to ensure the fastest and safest response. The Surrey-wide average 10 minute response time to critical incidents and target for 20 fire engines available in the day and 16 at night on average remain unchanged.

The Armed Forces Day flag has been raised at the Town Hall and is now being flown in Memorial Gardens ahead of Crawley Borough Council’s Armed Forces Day event on Saturday (27 June). The event marks the town’s continued commitment to honouring and supporting those who serve and have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

This free, family-friendly event, organised by Crawley Borough Council and supported by Crawley’s Civil Military Partnership, will feature performances from Crawley Millennium Concert Band and singers Victoria Boltwood and Kate Bassett, as well as a procession led by the Surrey and Sussex Drum and Bugle Corps.

A variety of stalls and displays will be available throughout the day, including representatives from military organisations and community groups such as The Royal British Legion, local veterans’ associations, cadet groups, emergency services and other partners. Visitors will also be able to enjoy historic vehicles, information stands, and refreshments.

Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for our community to recognise the dedication, bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who serve, or have served, in our Armed Forces. Come along and show your support and enjoy a fantastic day out for all the family.

Councillor Marion Ayling

Mayor of Crawley

Crawley Borough Council

Businesses which were affected by a sinkhole in Godstone have asked for further financial assistance.

The 65ft long hole appeared in February last year, closing off the main high street and dispersal of several people from their homes.

An extensive repair operation has been taking place which is near completion.

Tandridge District Council offered council tax and business rate relief to those affected at the time of the incident, but when the road opens up again it’s said business rates will go straight back to how they were.

Companies are now asking the council for a phased reintroduction while they get themselves back on their feet.