Princess Diana playground to close for £3m upgrade

A memorial playground dedicated to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is set to be closed for six months while its ageing features are replaced.

Located near Diana's former London home, Kensington Palace, it is visited by more than one million children a year making it one of London's most popular play areas.

As part of the £3m upgrade, the Peter Pan-themed area will get a pirate ship upgrade, as well as a multiple-level tree house.

The play area opened in 2000, marking what would have been the princess's 39th birthday.

The Royal Parks charity, which is responsible for the playground in Kensington Gardens, said the plans would "retain the characteristics of the existing Peter Pan-inspired playground".

They would also "provide more accessible and inclusive play, as well as challenging physical play, so that children of all abilities can enjoy creative and imaginative play together," the statement added.

The plans include a galleon ship that will be more accessible for youngsters of all abilities, a tunnel slide, rope bridge and a see-saw bridge with a slide.

The tree house will have a suspension bridge, while the Mermaid Fountain will also be redesigned to expand the water and sand play area.

Kensington Gardens has long been associated with Peter Pan after its author, JM Barrie, was inspired to create the character following many visits to the area.

Andy Williams, park manager at Kensington Gardens, said the playground would "incorporate new improved features".

"It's been wonderful to welcome millions and millions of children to what is arguably the most famous playground in the world.

"We're delighted to share the first designs for this exciting renewal."

The playground will be closed during the six-month project, which will take place between autumn 2025 and spring 2026.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]