West Street play area to open only after inspection report
Fareham Borough Council says the new West Street play area is nearing completion but will not open until a full independent inspection report is received.
Fareham Borough Council said on 1 October 2026 that the new play area in West Street is nearing completion and will be opening soon, but that it will not open until a full independent inspection report has been received and considered.
The council also said it wished to clarify incorrect information circulating online that the play area was due to open on 1 October. It stated that no opening date had been confirmed.
Inspection status
According to 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 said it will review the findings in full before the play area is opened.
Council comment
Cllr Frair Burgess, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said children's safety is "absolutely paramount". She said the council is listening to feedback about the play area, described it as "a new type of play area for Fareham", and said opening it "will not be the end of the conversation". The council said that once the play area is in use it will continue to listen to residents and consider whether practical enhancements could be made.
What to do next
The council said it looks forward to confirming the opening date in due course. Families should wait for that confirmation rather than rely on social media posts. The full statement is on the Fareham Borough Council website.