Winchester City Council reveal design for inclusive play area

Old playground equipment has been removed from Abbey Gardens Play Area and the new design is expected to be completed in time for the Easter holidays.

Winchester City Council has released the illustration of the new playground designed by Kompan UK. The company is set to start work in February, bringing back the much-loved train, a new slide and accessible play elements.

Public consultations were held throughout the summer to determine what playground users wanted to see from the refurbishment.

READ MORE: Winchester's Abbey Gardens playground announces six month closure for council's refurbishment plans

Leader of the consultations, Cllr Charles Radcliffe, said: “The plan for the new play area really reflects what park users told us they wanted to see on the site when we ran a consultation earlier this year — from a slide, swings and carousel to the train and picnic tables. 

“Our council officers have worked long and hard to make the most out of the space and budget available. As a result, the new playground will have a wider variety of play equipment than before and also be much more accessible for children with disabilities. 

“I’m confident the new playground will be hands down better than the old one. But real test will come when those gates open in April next year. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to hearing squeals of children’s laughter filling the air in Abbey Gardens once again.”

The recreational area closed at the beginning of September for phase one of the works, including upgrading the path and replacing the wooden planter with a more durable brick one, which is now complete.

Phase two (installing play equipment and surfacing) will begin in February. The council hopes that by carrying out the development in the colder weather, disruption will be minimised.

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Feedback from council officers stated: “Much of the play equipment has been designed to be inclusive, including the swings. There isn’t a traditional roundabout however there is a carousel – also inclusive.

“There are a number of boards – a sign language board, history of Winchester fun facts and a train ticket office panel.”

Other features include a King’s throne, climbing areas and a trampoline. The refurbishment is part of a five-year programme of improvements (2020-2025) with works to the play areas at North Walls and KGV due to start in 2023.