Sussex Street Play Area is a small but valuable open space in Pimlico, a densely built part of central London where places that children can play safely and neighbours can spend time outdoors are limited.
Westminster City Council is currently considering the future of the site. In February 2026 the council’s Cabinet confirmed a shortlist of options. These include redeveloping the site to provide homes alongside open and community space, upgrading the site as publicly accessible open and play space, leaving it as it is today, or redeveloping the site to deliver the maximum number of homes with no open space.
No final decision has been made. This means there is an opportunity for local people to make their views known about the future of the space.
Our aim
The Friends of Sussex Street Play Area is a community initiative bringing together residents, parents and local organisations who care about the future of this space.
Our aim is to show clear community support for keeping Sussex Street as a play area and open space for local families, and to support improvements so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
Eaton House Prep School intends to use the play area during parts of the school day, but the space will primarily be used by the local community outside these times. The school has indicated that it would support efforts to secure the long term future of Sussex Street Play Area as community open space. The Friends group itself is intended to be community led.
How you can support
If you would like to support the future of Sussex Street Play Area, there are a few simple ways you can help.
Where is Sussex Street play area?
Sussex Street play area is situated between Alderney Street and Winchester Street. It is owned by Westminster City Council, but in recent years it has been let for use by children attending Eaton Square Prep School.
What improvements could be made to the play area?
If the site is retained as open space, there is an opportunity to improve and invest in the play area so that it works better for local families.
This could include upgraded play equipment, improved landscaping, better seating and planting, and ensuring the space is well maintained for the long term.
What is the benefit of the school being involved?
A major strength of this proposal is that improvements to the space would be funded through the partnership with the school rather than through public funds.
This creates long term protection and shared responsibility for the space.
Is this the best use of publicly owned land?
Yes. In dense inner London neighbourhoods, high-quality open space is often hard to come by. Once lost, it cannot be replaced. Retaining the site as open space helps secure a long-term community asset.
Who can join the Friends group?
The Friends of Sussex Street play area is open to residents, parents, local organisations and anyone who cares about the future of the space.
The aim is to bring together a broad group of people who support protecting and improving the play area for the community.
How can I support the campaign?
You can support the campaign by:
- Signing the petition
- Emailing your ward councillors
- Joining our mailing list
- Sharing the campaign with your neighbours
Demonstrating clear local support will help ensure that community views are heard as decisions are made about the future of Sussex Street play area.
Why is this space important for the community?
In central London, access to safe outdoor space is limited. Sussex Street play area provides somewhere close to home where children can play and families can spend time outdoors.
Spaces like this also help bring neighbours together and contribute to the wellbeing of the local community.
Would Eaton Square Prep School continue to use the space?
The school would continue to use the space on a limited basis and help fund the improvements as part of this partnership approach. This would enable meaningful investment in the quality of the gardens without relying on Council funding.
Why not build homes here given the housing crisis?
Even under maximum massing, this is a small infill site. The number of homes delivered would be modest in borough wide terms and would not materially reduce temporary accommodation demand or the Council’s wider housing pressures.
The permanent loss of open space in an area with limited provision would outweigh the marginal housing gain.
Who would be responsible for maintaining the space?
The site is currently maintained by Eaton Square Prep School. The proposed model would see the school act as a silent sponsor, providing maintenance and operational support through a formal agreement. This reduces financial pressure on the Council.
How will decisions about the site be made?
Westminster City Council will make the final decision about the future of the site. The council has indicated that it will engage with residents and local stakeholders as part of that process.
Demonstrating clear community support for the play area can help ensure that local views are taken into account.
How can I find out more?
Eaton House Prep School will be hosting an open day at the play area during the Easter holidays so that residents and local families can learn more about the site and the proposals being discussed.
Further details will be shared on this website and through the campaign mailing list.