Bitterne Village High Street Regeneration, Southampton City Council

In a time of rapid urbanisation and evolving consumer behaviour, high streets across the UK are being reimagined. Once the vibrant heart of commerce and community life, these spaces now grapple with challenges brought on by e-commerce, hybrid working patterns, and a declining footfall. Yet, a new powerful and unexpected force is helping to revitalise these public realms: play.

The concept of play-traditionally associated with childhood is now being embraced by urban designers as a transformative tool for all age groups. By introducing playfulness into the urban landscape, we can create more inclusive, engaging, and resilient communities. This philosophy has come to life in Southampton, where play has become the catalyst for change in the Bitterne Village Precinct.

Bitterne’s First Urban Play and Park: A Vision Realised Announced in October 2024 by Southampton City Council, this pioneering scheme marks the city’s first Urban Play and Park, transforming the heart of Bitterne into a vibrant, active, and welcoming community space.

Previously defined by its declining retail presence and persistent anti-social behaviour, the town centre was in urgent need of a creative intervention. Buildings were being climbed, public spaces misused, and the area was losing its sense of purpose. Landscape architect Dan Gould stepped in with a bold vision to use play as a unifying and revitalising force.

His design offers a safe, dynamic space where children and adults alike can engage in physical activity, connect with nature, and reclaim the high street as a place to gather, play, and thrive.

The Bitterne Urban Play and Park represents a new chapter in high street transformation - where play, nature, and community spirit converge to reimagine urban life. As cities seek to recover their vibrancy, initiatives like this prove that designing for joy, activity, and connection can bring about lasting positive change.

KOMPAN partnered closely with Dan Gould to bring his vision to life, contributing expertise in sustainable and inclusive play solutions. Together, we tailored a design that respected the site’s terrain and natural slope, ensuring full accessibility and lasting impact.

This collaboration led to the transformation of a dull, concrete expanse into a destination play space for children of all ages and abilities, supported by vibrant green areas and thoughtfully designed social spaces.

Play for All Ages and Abilities: Inspired by feedback from ‘Make Space for Girls’ and extensive council research, the park integrates quieter green zones with adventurous play areas. It includes:

Mountain Trail with Slide - Promotes teamwork, empathy, and physical challenge

Kuma Climbing Structure - Fosters social engagement through climbing and suspension elements.

Spinner Bowl and Spica - Develops balance and turn-taking.

Somersault Bars and Over Under Bars - Encourage movement, exercise, and social play.

Stepping Pods and Scooter Springer - Develop coordination and social interaction.

Toddler Tower - Designed for early years, offering safe, engaging play.

Accessible Design: The entire area is surfaced with resin-bound and wet-pour materials, ensuring safe, long lasting pathways that are accessible to wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.

Sustainable Landscaping: A Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba), donated by Bitterne United Reformed Church, has been planted within the park, contributing to the area’s greening and ecological diversity.