Playland
A new venue in Portsmouth by and for people under 30
We are re-imagining Playland – the abandoned arcade on Commercial Road – into a vibrant, youth-led creative space.
Wherever you are on your journey and whatever you are passionate about – Playland is a safe space to express yourself, and access opportunities to build skills and experience for your creative career.
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About
Created by under 30’s, for under 30’s
On the ground floor of Playland Creative Hub, Playland is a creative venue designed and run by 16 – 30-year-olds, with support from Artswork. It’s a space to experiment, collaborate and imagine new ideas – a safe space to influence what happens, try out creative projects, and build the confidence and skills to shape their own futures.
Through hands-on experience and creative exploration, Playland helps 16 – 30-year-olds to develop the tools and networks they need to thrive in the creative industries and beyond, and offers exciting new creative experiences for under 30’s.
Under 30? Join one of our Playland email lists to stay up to date:
Under 16? Join our mailing list & explore what Playland has to offer for 11 – 16 year-olds in the Portsmouth area:
Playland for 11 – 16’s
Explore what’s on for young people aged 11 – 16 at our new youth-led venue in the heart of Portsmouth – Playland.
Playland has become this incredible space where inspiring, creative people come together to make something magical. To me, Playland is the people - everyone is equal, supported and encouraged to grow. I'm so grateful for the friendships and opportunities it's given me. I wouldn't be who I am today without Playland.
Playland has emerged from previous conversations with local young people, who expressed that there was a lack of spaces where they felt real safety and belonging. Playland will provide this space, as well as driving skills development and pathways into the creative industries.
The building
Playland Creative Hub: A new home for creativity, collaboration and opportunity in Portsmouth
Once a derelict amusement arcade at the top of Commercial Road, Playland Creative Hub is a vibrant two-storey cultural space bringing together young people, artists and creative businesses in the heart of Portsmouth.
A joint venture between Artswork, leading the Playland project downstairs, and Portsmouth Creates upstairs at Create at Playland, the hub is designed to empower young people, grow the city’s creative economy and make the arts accessible for everyone.
Upstairs: Create at Playland
A workspace for Portsmouth’s creative entrepreneurs
Create at Playland, led by Portsmouth Creates, provides affordable workspaces for small (yet mighty!) creative businesses. These spaces offer a supportive home, helping them connect and the wider creative community.
Businesses based here, Downtown Pompey, Pompey Darkroom and Portsmouth Pride will also play a key role in supporting the youth programmes downstairs at Playland, offering mentoring, work experience and career pathways into the creative industries.
Together, Create at Playland and Playland form a connected ecosystem of creativity, skills development and opportunity.
Get involved
Between 16 and 30 years old? The way that Playland will look and run is all down to you. Get involved by attending workshops listed below, sign up to our 16 – 30 mailing list, or join our team of under 30s leading this project by contacting us:
Workshops for Wellbeing
Held on the first two Tuesdays of every month, these are relaxed social sessions focused on exploring different creative practices and materials.
First Tuesday of every month: Workshops for 11 – 16s
6 – 8PM, free entry – all parents/carers must fill in the below form prior to attending
Second Tuesday of every month: Workshops for 16 – 30s
6 – 8PM, free entry just come along – no booking required
Events
Check out what we have been up to and keep up to date on upcoming events by following our Instagram:
Under 16’s Summer projects
Sights & Sounds of the City
9 – 28 July, various dates
This summer, Playland is inviting young people aged 11 to 16 to explore Portsmouth through photography and sound. Working alongside Karl Bailey, we will capture the places, sounds and moments that make Pompey feel like home – from iconic landmarks to hidden corners of the city that hold personal meaning.
This will culminate in an exhibition celebrating Portsmouth’s centenary, identity and culture through a fresh perspective.
UV Spray Painting Exploration with Mark Kellett
21 July – 22 August, various dates
Join artist Mark Kellett for a bold new creative project exploring UV spray paint, installation art and immersive visuals. Over a series of workshops, young people aged 11 to 16 will experiment with glow effects, large-scale artwork and collaborative making to transform the Playland space into a vibrant exhibition experience.
The work will be showcased publicly as part of a final celebration event. We’ll wrap up our UV spray painting workshops as well as our summer of creativity with a Silent Disco at Playland.
More information and sign up to take part here:
Playland for 11 – 16’s
Explore what’s on for young people aged 11 – 16 at our new youth-led venue in the heart of Portsmouth – Playland.
Support Playland
Are you an artist, creative business or collective in Portsmouth and beyond? Here’s how you can get involved:
- We offer space hire at affordable rates. As part of our space hire model, one of our capable under 30’s in the Playland leadership group will also be on hand to assist your workshop/event. Please enquire for more details.
- We also host free taster workshops for young people in the city, so that more under 30’s have the opportunity to get involved in Playland. If you’d like us to deliver a free workshop with young people in your organisation who may be interested in youth leadership at Playland, get in touch to grab a slot before they are gone. Email Anastasia at anastasiaalexandru@artswork.org.uk
- We’re also really excited about offering young people training opportunities, so if you have any specialist skills that you’d like to offer as a development opportunity for our under 30’s, do reach out to us by emailing playland@artswork.org.uk
Project Partners
We’re working with Portsmouth Creates on this project and The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have pledged £25k to support activity at Playland.
In April 2026, we also received £300k for the next three years from The National Lottery Community Fund, to help make Playland a success.
