Works worth £100,000 will get underway this spring to transform a popular town play area.

Fareham Borough Council has announced that improvements to Crossfell Walk play area will begin in spring 2024.

The work is expected to cost £100,000 and will come out of a pot of £1m awarded to the authority by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The spot on Bishopsfield Road is a popular hotspot for Fareham families during the summer months.

Executive Member for Leisure and Community, Cllr Sue Walker, said: “I am delighted that these improvements to Crossfell Walk play area will start in the spring.

“Outdoor play is so important for children’s health and wellbeing, and with the new equipment, particularly the inclusive items, there really will be something for everyone.

“Once the work is complete, this play area will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Daily Echo: The council have released this graphic showing the proposed plansThe council have released this graphic showing the proposed plans (Image: FBC)The work follows a public consultation in autumn 2023 which saw 345 people respond with their preferences and suggestions for improvements.

An invitation to tender for this project was issued and a contract for the works was awarded to playground equipment manufacturer, Wicksteed Leisure in December 2023.

The following equipment will be added as part of the improvements to the play area:

  • Inclusive multi-unit, including a slide and additional play features
  • Sensory pathway - a pathway made up of different materials creating different textures
  • Inclusive butterfly play panel
  • Communications board
  • Speedway roundabout
  • Two springies
  • Two flat swings
  • Hammock swing
  • Adult and toddler facing swing
  • Surf rider
  • Spin and bounce see-saw
  • Floor graphics and games

In addition, the existing cycle path that currently runs through the middle of the children’s play area will be re-directed.

Three new trim trail pieces of equipment, including monkey bars, a balancing beam and a wobble bridge, will be located just outside of the play area.

The council said that the existing Multi–use Games Areas will be fitted with new play panels and floor graphics, including a 3-lane racetrack.

Work is subject to weather and ground conditions.