Press Release

7 October 2026

New West Street play area opens to families

Fareham Borough Council is delighted to announce that, following a positive independent safety inspection and completion of the Council’s pre-opening checks, the new play area in West Street is now open.

Providing a new experience for children to stop and play as part of a family visit to the town centre, the new play area forms part of the wider improvements to West Street.  Created as an attractive and welcoming place for children to play, it also encourages families with young children to spend more time in the town centre.

Designed to integrate with the landscape, this type of play area is already working well in other areas including Portsmouth and Southampton, but is new to Fareham, so the Council is really keen to gather feedback from families as they begin to use the new space. Officers will be available at the play area for part of the day of opening to talk to parents, carers and visitors; there will also be onsite information about how to provide feedback online.

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

“I’m delighted that we are now in a position to open the new play area. We have always been clear that children’s safety is paramount, which is why we wanted the reassurance of the independent safety inspection before making the final decision to open.

“I visited West Street myself at the weekend and it was lovely to see children already pointing out the new play equipment as they passed. It is a bright and inviting space and I hope it will become a popular place for families to stop and enjoy while they are in the town centre.

“Opening the play area is not the end of the story. We have listened carefully to the questions and concerns raised by parents, carers and councillors, and we will continue to listen once families experience using the space.

“Our officers will be there on opening day to hear feedback first-hand and we will continue to monitor how the play area is being used. If there are practical enhancements that would make the space work better, we will carefully review them to help guide our long-term improvements. We care deeply about creating a wonderful environment for children, and we look forward to growing this space alongside families."

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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