In 2002 the Centre secured funding to install fencing around the building, thus reducing the amount of money spent repairing vandalism. The funds could then be redirected to improving the overgrown and rubbish-littered area behind the Centre. With the assistance of Wigan Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust work began to clear and landscape the area with the aim of creating a small community park to be enjoyed by local people.

The initial task was to remove the unsafe netting around the hard court, clear old trees and shrubbery alongside the footpath, and begin work to eliminate the Japanese Knotweed infesting the site and level the area.

In 2003 a handful of volunteers worked with local young people to install benches, aided by financial and other support from Wigan organisations. In autumn the area alongside the path was grassed and rowan trees and bulbs planted thus improving an area which had previously been neglected.

In 2007 the Centre began employing a groundsman to maintain the area around the Centre as a pleasing green space for the local community.

Arising from the work to improve the land around the Centre a stock of tools and equipment for environmental work has been built up. This is intended not only to facilitate work at the Centre, but to support environmental action within Ashton. Examples are the provision of tools for litter picks in the town and the restoration of Ashton Heath, and Captain's Lane Committee welcomes requests from groups for similar assistance with their projects.