Bid launched to turn Toys R Us site into Southampton theme park

In 2018 the national toy chain announced it would close all 100 of its stores across the country – including its 4.8-acre site in Southampton.

The building has been sitting vacant for more than five years – with the city council approving the building of 600 homes at the Western Esplanade site in March 2022.

CGI of the Toys R Us development now said to be stalled

However, this has not stopped residents from submitting ideas for what they would like to see at the site.

The Southampton resident who submitted this petition believes the disused Toy R Us Site should be turned into a theme park.

The resident said: “Southampton has no dedicated theme park within the city and building a small theme park onto the site could bring more tourists into the area.

“Team up with Paulton's Park Ower, Romsey or Legoland Windsor to create a similar designed theme park.”

Suggestions for the theme park include: rollercoasters, a small water park, a 4D cinema experience, retro gaming resort, a monorail, and kerb-segregated cycle track.

The petition states that an underground travel system would need to be constructed for vehicles, leading to Southampton Central railway station and other routes out of the city.

It added that the park would have attractions for both children and adults, with virtual experience rides being used to account for the small site.

In 2023, the vacant Toys R Us building was being used by the Polish Social Club to store donations that were being sent off in lorry loads to Ukraine.

Axe throwing, bungee jumping, virtual flying and driving simulators have also been included in the petition proposal.

A stage has also been put forward as an idea for hosting comedy shows and live events – and the petitioner said this could also be hired by outside organisations, helping bring more tourism to the region.

This petition has received just one signature so far, and runs until August 4 this year.