The finishing touches are being applied to a spectacular new centrepiece for one of the UK's most beloved play areas, as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground undergoes a major £3 million transformation.
A New Galleon Sets Sail for Kensington
After being closed for renovations, the playground located next to Diana's former home at Kensington Palace is scheduled to reopen this summer. The star attraction will be a brand new, 'full-scale' 12-metre tall wooden galleon, designed to capture children's imaginations just as the original Peter Pan-themed ship did when the site first opened in 2000.
This impressive new structure has been crafted in the German village of Frasdorf, nestled in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. Staff from The Royal Parks, which manages the site, have already travelled to Germany to inspect the galleon before its maiden voyage to its permanent home in London.
Sustainable Design and Inclusive Features
The £3 million investment is essential to replace playground equipment that has reached the end of its operational life. The new ship is partially constructed from mountain larch wood sourced from sustainably managed forests in the Bavarian Alps. The harsh alpine climate causes the trees to grow extremely slowly, resulting in timber that is remarkably strong and naturally resistant to rot, eliminating the need for chemical treatments.
The revamped galleon is packed with exciting features for young adventurers, including a tunnel slide and two crow's nests. Critically, it also incorporates a ramped entrance to the main deck to ensure disabled access, aligning with the inclusive spirit of the playground. The wider renovation will also introduce a new treehouse, a redesigned water play area, and a dedicated zone for children under three years old.
Honouring a Lasting Legacy
The project has been handled with great care to honour the memory of Princess Diana. The design and construction were entrusted to Timberplay and Richter Spielgeräte, the same team that created the original ship nearly 26 years ago.
Andy Williams, park manager for Kensington Gardens, emphasised the playground's enduring purpose. "It really reaches to children’s imaginations, it lets them set free in a safe space," he said. He confirmed the new design remains "in the spirit of Princess Diana, we’ve kept faithful to that."
Peter Heuken, head of planning at Richter Spielgeräte, who worked on the 2000 original, expressed his pride in the project. "If equipment is not just rotting away, but it is run through and worn out by children, then this is the biggest compliment one can get," he remarked.
The Diana Memorial Playground first opened in June 2000 on the site of a former playground inaugurated in 1906 by Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie. It now attracts an average of one million visitors each year, holding the title of the UK's most visited playground. Its summer reopening will mark a new chapter for this cherished public space dedicated to the late Princess's legacy.
