Ongoing work at Treasure Island, Canford Cliffs
Major refurbishments across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s play areas are firmly underway with a number of sites set for upgrades in the next few months.
Treasure Island, in Canford Cliffs, is poised to re-open in the coming weeks after major refurbishment work to make the iconic site fit for future generations.
At the heart of the new design is a brand-new large pirate ship that will replace the existing structure: complete with upgraded climbing equipment, slides, sensory play, and a miniature zip-wire.
And surrounding the ship is a host of themed play zones – encouraging budding buccaneers to climb, balance and explore everything from new rope swings to rocking springers.
The large new pirate ship at the heart of the design for Treasure Island
The improvements, delivered as part of BCP Council’s overall Plan for Play strategy, have been funded by the Canford Cliffs Land Society and a successful Neighbourhood CIL application championed by ward councillors.
And now major improvements to Kings Park, Hamworthy Park, Bourne Valley, Noyce Gardens, Muscliff Park and Mallard Road have all taken a significant step forward: contractors and suppliers have been appointed, after a full procurement process, and designs are being finalised – meaning new equipment will soon be installed.
Noyce Gardens, near Jewell Academy, will see a host of new play features installed: with everything from swings and slides to zip-wires and climbing equipment. The site will have four distinct zones – for toddlers, primary school ages, and teens, as well as a sensory area to make play accessible and inclusive.
Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council’s Cabinet members with responsibility for play strategy, said:
“Our team has been hard at work behind the scenes to award contracts and progress fantastic designs – all inspired by the ideas of local children, young people and families.
“I know it can be frustrating for residents that these major projects take a little longer but, as a public body, the Council has to go through a full legal framework before spades can get in the ground.
“Pleasingly we’re now in the installation phase and are able to get to work at the likes of Kings Park, Mallard Road and Hamworthy Park.
“I want to be clear, though, that whilst these processes have been going on in the background, we’ve been prioritising immediate improvements to nearby play spaces so that no community has been left without access to quality play equipment.”
Initial plans for the locations were announced in January 2026, following an extensive public consultation in summer 2025. The consultation gave local communities the opportunity to directly shape the designs for each site so that it can match their priorities.
Speaking about the improvements to Kings Park, Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for parks, said:
“When we went to consultation last summer we were clear with residents that Kings Park was one of our priority sites and that we had set aside £200,000 for a complete refurbishment.
“From the start we’ve said that our team of officers would create a brand new play space that reflected the needs and desires of local children, young people and families and I’m pleased we’re now delivering on that commitment.
“This is a fantastic example of the Council working with a passionate community and, I hope, demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together.”
BCP Council’s Plan for Play is delivering repairs, improvements and major refurbishments to more than 120 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The multi-year project will see more than £4.6million invested into play spaces – made up of an initial £3.9million allocation, and subsequent successful grant applications.
