Companies vying for the contract to run private playground facilities in Battersea Park have been told to place 80 per cent of their emphasis on affordability over quality.

Wandsworth Council is looking for a private business to provide a paid for high rope and aerial adventure activity course in the playground.

Zip wires, a network of rope and cable bridges as well as climbing walls could also be on offer in the park.

They are also seeking bidders to run a family friendly building and offer indoor creative arts activities.

Earlier this year all three of the borough's adventure playgrounds were controversially redeveloped with risk-free equipment while play staff were axed.

Protesters from Occupy London staged an occupation earlier this year in a bid to stop bulldozers moving in.

The deadline for submissions passed on Wednesday, with the council receiving five expressions of interest.

A council advertisement said: "The award of the contract will be based on most economically advantageous tender.

"This will be assessed with weightings of 80 per cent for price and 20 per cent for quality considerations."

Tenders will also have to seek advice on designs from English Heritage, as the park is Grade II* listed in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

 

It is not known how much it will cost to use the premium play services and which section of the playground will be allocated to paid-for play.

Councillor Kathy Tracey said in an earlier statement the council were looking for someone to provide enhanced play.

She said "We are spending over £200,000 in putting in new equipment that is adventurous. This is just an added incentive, like premium play.

"We would hope to get some concessions that could cover those children who couldn’t access it, for example a resident’s day."