First glimpse of designs for multimillion-pound renewal of The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground

The Royal Parks charity will undertake a £3 million renewal of the much-loved Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, which opened in 2000 to commemorate the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

The charity, which manages London’s eight Royal Parks, has revealed the initial designs for the new and improved playground, including a virtual walk-through of the proposals.  

Since its opening, the playground welcomes more than one million children and their carers annually, but after nearly 25 years of play, many of the playground's features have reached the end of their life.

The renewed playground will retain the characteristics of the existing Peter Pan-inspired playground but will 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.

A new Galleon, constructed with sustainably-sourced timber over three levels, with wheelchair accessible spaces, will replace the existing pirate ship. The Galleon will include an additional ‘crow’s nest’ and a double storey ‘stern’ with a ship’s wheel and a telescope.  

A new multiple-level Tree House Encampment constructed with sustainably-sourced timber will provide opportunities for children to climb and play at different heights and includes areas accessible to wheelchairs. Three towers at different heights will provide different levels of challenge, while other features include a suspension bridge, a tunnel slide, a rope bridge and a see-saw bridge with a slide.

A redesigned and improved Mermaid Fountain will expand the water and sand play area. The new designs will allow runoff water to be collected and reused for irrigation.

New tree planting for shade and biodiversity, together with sensory, allergy-friendly and pollinator-friendly planting will improve the playground’s natural setting, alongside new seating and paths which will improve access for all.  

Andy Williams, Park Manager, Kensington Gardens says:

“It’s been wonderful to welcome millions and millions of children to what is arguably the most famous playground in the world, set against the beautiful backdrop of Kensington Gardens.  

“We’re delighted to share the first designs for this exciting renewal which will retain the character of the existing playground, but will incorporate new improved features, inspiring children to be curious about the natural environment, for many years.

“We’re working together with local communities, especially children, to gather and incorporate their feedback into the designs at every stage, so that all children feel welcome and can enjoy free, accessible, creative and social play, fostering their health and wellbeing.”