Park opens after city suburb's green revamp

A new park has officially opened after a city suburb was given a green makeover.

Work to revamp Bitterne Precinct in Southampton began in October and the park was "soft launched" last week to allow children to enjoy it over the Easter break.

The transformed neighbourhood includes new play areas, suitable for all ages, alongside exercise and hangout areas and green spaces with additional seating.

The project was initiated after a 2022 consultation where 50% of respondents said they were dissatisfied with the current green space in Bitterne.

Southampton City Council said it hoped the park, which is funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy, would "contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community" and "stimulate economic growth".

The local authority announced the scheme in October 2024 and worked with Kompan Play Equipment and Schofield Groundworks to develop it.

It said the "unique addition to Bitterne" was the first Urban Play and Park in Southampton.

"It provides local children with a chance to enjoy a wide range of play and exercise equipment in a safe outdoor environment, encouraging them to keep active," it said in a statement.

It includes a mountain trail with slide, a toddler tower and a kuma – a climbing play structure encouraging socialising.

Bitterne United Reform Church donated a Maidenhair tree, which has been planted within the scheme and near the church.

The council said the work provides "space for exciting play opportunities, that are complemented with quieter green spaces with trees, shrubs and grass areas to enjoy within the high street setting".

Councillor John Savage, cabinet member for green city and net zero, said he looked forward to hearing "about the positive impact it has on people's daily lives".

The local authority said resin bound and wet pour safer surfacing had been used throughout the project "to provide a long lasting and durable surface while also making it ideal for mobility and pushchair users".

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