The Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is due to undergo a £3million refurbishment.
The new and improved playground will retain the characteristics of the existing Peter Pan-inspired playground but will provide more accessible, inclusive and physically challenging play.
The Royal Parks charity, which manages eight Royal Parks, has revealed the initial designs for the playground renewal, which opened in 2000 to commemorate the late Princess of Wales.
Since its opening, the playground has welcomed more than one million children and their carers annually but after 25 years many features have reached the end of their life.
The charity has now proposed plans to improve the site, which include a wheelchair-friendly sailing ship, a new multiple-level tree house, and an improved Mermaid Foundation.
If planning permission is granted, the playground will close for around six months from autumn 2025 and reopen the following spring.
The new aspects will be constructed with sustainably sourced timber, with the Galleon set to feature an additional ‘crow’s nest’ and a double-storey ‘stern’ with a ship’s wheel and a telescope.
The Tree House Encampment will provide opportunities for children to climb and play at different heights and includes areas accessible to wheelchairs.
Three towers at different heights will provide different levels of challenge, while other features include a suspension bridge, a tunnel slide, a rope bridge and a see-saw bridge with a slide.
New trees will be planted for shade and biodiversity, and the water and sand play area will be expanded.
The plans are subject to planning permission.
Andy Williams, Park Manager, Kensington Gardens says: “It’s been wonderful to welcome millions and millions of children to what is arguably the most famous playground in the world, set against the beautiful backdrop of Kensington Gardens.
“We’re delighted to share the first designs for this exciting renewal which will retain the character of the existing playground, but will incorporate new improved features, inspiring children to be curious about the natural environment, for many years.
“We’re working together with local communities, especially children, to gather and incorporate their feedback into the designs at every stage, so that that all children feel welcome and can enjoy free, accessible, creative and social play, fostering their health and wellbeing.”
