After a seven-month construction period, a new play area and green space has officially opened in Bitterne Precinct.

The initiative led by Southampton City Council has seen an old play area transformed into a more modern play park, with new seating and exercise spaces, as well as newly planted trees and shrubs.

The opening of the play area was delayed by four months after work halted on the project due to “issues around material lead times.”

Cllr John Savage had been scheduled to cut the ribbon, but at the last minute, he allowed Finn Allan, aged 1, who was playing with his grandfather in the play park, to make the cut on his behalf.

Cllr Savage says that the "substantial investment" will help to "lift the prospects" of the whole of Bitterne Village. 

He said: "The whole shopping centre has been struggling financially, and to give it a colourful green space makes it attractive for people to come and lift the business and helps them thrive.

"All of this is just really well thought out. The fact that it is slightly different, slightly difficult, means that kids have to work at it and solve problems."

Cllr Savage and little Finn cutting the ribbonCllr Savage and little Finn cutting the ribbon (Image: Cristiano Magaglio) READ MORE: Bitterne Precinct green space hailed as 'great addition' to area

Cllr Savage added: "This is what we want for a play area, to be right in the middle where people live and shop, where they can be part of it and look after it.

"We need to have a play area like this within walking distance for everybody in Southampton."

The play parkThe play park (Image: Cristiano Magaglio) READ MORE: Bitterne Precinct works to resume this week after delays

Cllr Andy Frampton, who represents the nearby ward of Thornhill, said: "I am very pleased. The ward that I represent is within walking distance, so we know that a lot of our residents use the precinct for shopping.

"It is a great addition to the high street and I am sure it will benefit people.

"Encourage more people to play outside, and who knows, it might even encourage more businesses back into the area.

"This is a great place for parents and families to meet and come together to sit and talk and enjoy watching their children have fun."

Finn's grandad, Kevin Cattermole, said: "Finn loves parks. A lot of the time, we have to drive all the way to Hedge End, it is nice to see that this is finally open."