Press Release

1 October 2026

Update on new West Street play area

Fareham Borough Council has confirmed that the new play area in West Street is nearing completion and will be opening soon. Final details are now being reviewed and the Council has confirmed that the play area will not open until a full independent inspection report has been received and considered.

The Council has also clarified incorrect information circulating online that the play area was due to open today. No opening date had been confirmed by the Council.

An independent inspection by RoSPA has confirmed that the play area is fundamentally safe, with the final written report still awaited. The Council will review the findings in full before the play area is opened.

Cllr Frair Burgess, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said:

“Children’s safety is absolutely paramount, and we will not open the play area until we have received and carefully considered the final independent inspection report.
“We know there has been a great deal of discussion about the new play area, and I want residents to know that we are genuinely listening to the concerns and feedback being raised. We understand that people care deeply about the facilities available to local families, and we take those views very seriously.
“This is a new type of play area for Fareham, and we recognise that people will want to see how it works in practice. Opening it will not be the end of the conversation. We want families to be able to use the space, experience it for themselves and tell us honestly what they think.
“Once the play area is in use, we will continue to listen to residents and consider whether there are practical enhancements that could make the space work better for the children and families that use it.
“Our aim is simple: to provide a safe, welcoming and well-used play space that families can enjoy as part of the town centre. We want to get this right, and listening to the people who will use it is an important part of that.”

The Council looks forward to confirming the opening date for the new play area in due course.

ENDS