Isle of Wight play area and children's village opens in Newport

Isle Imagine has swapped life on the road hosting pop-ups for a permanent hub on Riverway.

Run by Emma Early, from Newport, the play area had a soft launch for friends and family yesterday (Sunday) and opened its doors for the first time today (Monday).

Read more: 

• Isle of Wight children's play area and village opening in Newport
• Empty Isle of Wight high street shop taken over by furniture retailer

Featuring a replica fire station, hospital, garage, supermarket, police station and beauty salon, Isle Imagine also has a cafe and a designated grass areas for toddlers and babies.

Speaking to the County Press last month, Emma said: "This is my life and I put my all in to it and I have done for the last two years.

Inside Isle Imagine (Image: Isle Imagine) A child enjoying the new play area at Isle Imagine (Image: Isle Imagine) "The children learn so much from their imagination and what they get out of it is so beneficial."

Emma moved to the Island around eight years ago after meeting husband and Islander, Wayne Early, who is a roofer.

Together, they have been working on renovating the new premises — the former home of Solent Beds and Furniture, which has opened a new store in Newport town centre.

Inside the building, there are nine different sections of the mini village for children to explore.

A child enjoying the new play area at Isle Imagine (Image: Isle Imagine) The new play area at Isle Imagine (Image: Isle Imagine) Isle Imagine also hosts children's parties.

The play area has capacity for around 30 children at a time and its car park, at the front of the building, has space for 12 to 14 vehicles.

Sessions last around two hours, cost about £7 and parents do not have to pay.

Wayne and Emma Early (Image: IWCP)