Winchester families will welcome a new £200,000 soft play facility next summer after Everyone Active secured planning approval to transform the city’s leisure park. The project, agreed in partnership with Winchester City Council, marks the largest single investment in local play infrastructure in a decade and will replace the existing Top Rock climbing area, doubling the available indoor play space for under-12s.
Designed with universal accessibility at its core, the facility will feature two distinct zones: one tailored for toddlers under four, and a second for older children up to 12. Alison Lewis, area contract manager for Everyone Active, confirmed that every design choice prioritises inclusive play, from adjustable climbing walls to sensory pathways embedded with textured materials. “We’re not just building a play area; we’re creating a space where every child can explore, imagine and belong,” Lewis said. “The feedback we’ve received from local parents with SEN children has directly shaped the design, ensuring it meets real needs.”
Key Points
- ✅ £200,000 investment by Everyone Active and Winchester City Council
- ⚡ Replaces Top Rock climbing area, expanding indoor play space
- 💡 Nature-themed design with sensory zones and climbing features
Construction begins on June 1 with a phased rollout, culminating in a soft launch for registered disability groups before full public opening in summer 2026. The council’s cabinet member for healthy communities, Councillor Kathleen Becker, highlighted the project’s community focus. “This isn’t just another play area,” she said. “It’s a hub where families can gather, where children with additional needs can play alongside their peers, and where the natural beauty of Winchester is reflected in every detail.”
| Feature | Current Area | New Soft Play |
|---|---|---|
| Play Type | Climbing-focused | Multi-level adventure structure |
| Accessibility | Limited SEN provisions | Fully inclusive design with sensory pathways |
| Age Range | Open to all, no dedicated zones | Separate areas for under-4s and over-4s |
Architects have embedded sensory-rich elements throughout, including an LED ball pit calibrated to reduce overstimulation and a 3.5-metre light tube designed to mimic woodland sunlight. The café adjacent to the play area will undergo a £15,000 refurbishment, adding step-free access, wider aisles and a lactation pod, reflecting the council’s commitment to family-friendly infrastructure. Local schools have already expressed interest in booking dedicated SEN sessions, with priority slots reserved for the first six months.
💡 Pro Tip
Parents planning to visit during peak hours should arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid queues, as the facility’s capacity has been capped at 60 children to maintain safety and accessibility standards.
Environmental considerations are woven into the design. The play equipment will be sourced from suppliers with FSC-certified timber, and the LED lighting system is programmed to dim during off-peak hours to reduce energy use. The soft play area will also serve as a prototype for future inclusive play spaces across southern England, with Winchester City Council offering its construction data to regional partners.
📋 By The Numbers
- 10 years — Last time Winchester invested over £150,000 in indoor play infrastructure
- 6 months — Soft launch period prioritising disability groups before public opening
- £15,000 — Refurbishment budget for the adjoining café, including accessibility upgrades
The project arrives amid rising concerns over childhood physical activity levels. Public Health England data shows only 42% of five-to-15-year-olds in Hampshire meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, with indoor play facilities cited as key enablers. Lewis emphasised the facility’s role in reversing this trend. “We’re not just providing a place to play,” she said. “We’re giving children the tools to build confidence, coordination and social skills in a safe, controlled environment.”
- June 1 — Groundbreaking marks start of 14-month construction phase
- December 2025 — Soft launch for registered SEN groups and school bookings
- July 2026 — Full public opening with extended operating hours