Prior to commencing any works, a number of technical studies were undertaken; these surveys are to ensure that the Park Plan can be delivered as envisaged and that no issues arise during implementation.  The studies which include ecology, trees, utility services and topography will cover all elements within the Park Plan.  Funding for the studies has been agreed and the work was undertaken throughout 2023. We are fortunate to have a fantastic diversity of wildlife including otters, water voles and white clawed crayfish in and around the Itchen River.  It is important to ensure that we do nothing that negatively impacts these species.

These comprehensive surveys will provide the level of detail we need to plan the exact location and specification for the perimeter path the optimum placing for new benches, and how best, if at all, to access the river. The surveys will also allow us to better understand the necessary funding required to deliver the elements of the Park Plan.

There are many elements within the Park Plan and which are listed below and are being assessed by the Council as to how feasible they are to deliver, not all these elements will be possible. The Council will provide updates as to which ones will be taken forward over the coming years. 

The proposed elements collected during the consultation exercise were grouped into 10 areas for potential delivery as shown in the tables below.  Grouping the elements in this way will help achieve value for money, minimise disruption to park users whilst works are taking place and ensure consistency of design throughout the park.

Entrances	Plaza	River works	Seating / meeting	Perimeter Path
Park Avenue entrance	Plaza multi-functional space with water jets	River improvement works	New bench seating	Perimeter path
Nuns Walk northern entrance	Permanent café and toilet building	Repaint banana bridge	Improved area by Devils Island bridge with seating and artwork	New bridge at top of Devils Island
Nuns Road entrance	Children's paddling area by the river			Dipping platforms
				Improve access to Winnall Moors

Linear Path	Fitness Area	Biodiversity	Sport and play	Skate
Resurface main linear paths	Outdoor fitness and exercise equipment area	Quieter areas for wildlife plantng and habitats	Kickabout goal	Develop skate park hub
			Upgraded play space

For more information and locations on each element please view the Suite of Ideas ^{(pdf, 20mb)} plan.

Over the next 10 years, the Park Plan will be delivered using a phased approach.  Each improvement area has been prioritised based on feedback from the public consultation, urgency of work required and outcome of recent survey work.  The table below illustrates current plans for phasing the programme of works.

Phase 1 (2021 - 2023) COMPLETE	Phase 2 (2024 - 2025) IN PROGRESS	Phase 3 (2026+)
Sport & Play: Tennis/3G Football Floodlighting installed New fencing for 3G Football Pitch Refurbished River Park Play Area	Perimeter Paths: Design and cost perimeter path, (Funding dependant) Upgrade existing tarmac path	Sport & Play: Develop skate park hub
Sport & Play: Kick about goal space	River Works: Improve disabled access for bridge (Funding dependant)	Entrances: Improve park entrance
Facilities: Temporary toilets installed	Seating/Meeting: Replace benches as required ensuring improved access and useability	Biodiversity: Create quieter areas for wildlife Improve access to Winnall Moors
Technical Surveys: Ecology, trees, drainage, utilities etc.		River Works: Steps in to children's paddling area Net dipping platforms along river

The newly refurbished play area opened July 2023. We hope you find something new and exciting to enjoy. The play area has been renamed as River Park Play Area.

The design by Proludic Ltd incorporates new features to Winchester’s play areas including a wheelchair accessible see-saw, many inclusive play features and as requested by a number of respondents – a human hamster wheel! Proludic have also worked with the Colour Factory to provide a lively mural on the brick flood defence wall. They were responsible for the colourful bollards found around the city centre.

In October 2023 we installed a Communication Board like the one in Abbey Gardens.

Public consultation had been undertaken as part of the Park Plan Consultation in 2019 and the results ^{(pdf, 2.3mb)} were used to form the brief for the design.

The site benefits from nearby parking in the old River Park Leisure centre car park and newly installed toilets which are open from 07:00 until 21:00.

Click here to see the final version of the Park Plan drawn using feedback from the consultation.

Additional Park Plan information can be found below: