New play areas will be built across Portsmouth thanks to £2 million of investment announced today as part of the Labour Government’s Children’s Plan.  

Local MP Sarah McCarthy-Fry welcomed the news that Portsmouth City Council will receive around £2 million from the Government to invest in dozens of new play areas, including a brand new supervised adventure play park aimed at 8 to 13 year olds.  

Starting from this month, the funding will help to develop around 28 public play areas across Portsmouth. An adventure playground, supervised by qualified staff, will also be built at a cost of around £800,000.  The funding is part of a £235 million investment being made by the Labour Government over the next three years to transform children’s play areas and make sure public spaces are more child friendly.

Sarah said:  “This is great news for Portsmouth. I’m delighted that we are one of the first parts of the country to have been chosen to get this funding. It will mean we can develop and rebuild children’s play areas across our community – benefiting thousands of children and families in our area.  I want to make sure the local community is fully involved in deciding how and where this funding should be spent. That’s why I want to hear the views of local parents on which play areas should be rebuilt or where there is a need for new play facilities. Eight to thirteen is a vital age and we need to ensure children are able to play outdoors as well as being properly supervised.  Play is vital to help children have fun, but it can also keep them happy and healthy and allow them to develop and explore the world. This funding from the Labour Government will help to ensure all children have somewhere safe, stimulating and exciting to play outdoors.