Bluewater reopens Wintergarden with more than 30 new play pieces

Bluewater reopened its Wintergarden play area on Friday, April 24 at 2pm, bringing bluewater visitors back into a space rebuilt with more than 30 new play pieces. The centre said the revamped area was designed for physical, sensory and imaginative play.

The reopening gives families a larger indoor play option inside the Kent shopping centre, after the area closed in November 2025 for an extensive renovation. Bluewater also said the new layout was built to encourage children to move, explore and interact while they visit.

Snisha cuts the ribbon at Bluewater

Snisha, the winner of the Temple Hill Primary School design competition, cut the ribbon at the reopening. Her design inspired the play apparatus, tying the finished space directly to the school competition that helped shape it.

The opening ceremony also drew Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite MBE and Mayor of Dartford Peter Whapshott. Their attendance placed the reopening inside a public launch rather than a quiet facilities update.

Samir Osmani joins the role

Bluewater has also appointed 10-year-old Samir Osmani as its first Chief Play Officer after selecting him from over 550 entrants. Samir said, "I am so excited to be the new Chief Play Officer, I cannot believe I was chosen and I think the play area is so cool and fun for everyone. It was one of the best days of my life!"

The revamp includes a Mushroom Multiplay unit, a reimagined Wildlife Wheelspin roundabout, new arch swings, a standing seesaw, a memo interactive activity zone with over 64 activities, a multi-activity sensory panel with tumble balls and tactile leaves, and a Play Wall with talk tubes set at different heights.

Bluewater family destination

James Waugh, the centre director at Bluewater, said, "We’re thrilled to crown Samir as our first ever Chief Play Officer and he’s already thrown himself into the role with real enthusiasm. The reaction to our new play park over the opening weekend has been phenomenal, and it shows just how much families value having somewhere safe, exciting and imaginative for children to explore."

He also said, "We know how tough it can be to tempt kids away from screens, and as life gets busier, places for them to burn off energy are harder to come by. This new space gives children room to be creative, active and themselves, while parents can relax and enjoy everything else Bluewater has to offer."

For families already using the centre, the immediate change is simple: the Wintergarden is open again, and the play area now offers a broader set of activities than before. Bluewater has tied the opening to its wider aim of making the centre a family destination for shopping, food, fun and time together.