A Southampton man has called on the council to tell residents why work to transform an area of Bitterne Precinct into a green space and play area is months overdue.

Work led by Southampton City Council began in October 2024 to introduce new surfaced routes, play areas, exercise spaces, and green areas to Bitterne Precinct.

Scheduled for approximately 12 weeks, the work is yet to be completed almost six months on, with fencing surrounding what’s already been installed, including a slide, climbing frame, and seated area.

Speaking to the Echo, Bitterne resident, Perry McMillan, said he’d noticed work had stopped at the site a month ago.

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The play area in Bitterne Precinct is fenced off with families unable to use any of the facilities (Image: Newsquest) He said: “I noticed around a month ago work had stopped, and nothing was really said about it.

“I come here quite often with my grandson, and he doesn’t understand why he can’t go on the slide or walk through the play area.

“It’s a real shame because he’d have so much fun here but at the moment, we’re left with all this fencing and not able to make use of the space, which does look modern and good for the environment.

“I think people need to know what’s happening because the work started in October, was meant to last 12 weeks, and now it’s overrun by a few months, and nothing is seemingly being done.”

Signage around the development states the “unique urban green space is the first of its kind in Southampton by creating a play and park destination.”

Commenting on the delay, Cllr Christie Lambert, cabinet member for communities and safer city, said: “We appreciate the anticipation that has grown throughout the community for the new play park in Bitterne.

“The temporary pause in the current programme is due to issues around material lead times, but we are delighted to say that work is resuming this week and that the park will soon be open for all to enjoy.

“We are acutely aware that the project has taken longer than initially anticipated, but rest assured, we are doing everything within our means to complete the works as quickly as possible so that everyone in the community can enjoy this exciting, new space."