01-07-2025
Children's role play and party centre announces closure with 'sad heart'
A children's party service and role play area has announced "with a sad heart" that it is closing after three "incredible" years of operating.
Imagination Corner on Shirley High Street has confirmed that it will be shutting its doors after one "last day of fun" on August 29.
The play area used new and preloved toys to create role play experiences for children, letting them live out scenarios like taking their pets to the vets, give hair cuts at the hairdressers or take a trip to the beach.
Wooden play equipment was used to put sustainability at the forefront of the party centre.
The business was set up and led by qualified teacher Vicki Stewart, who created the space to offer children the chance to play and have fun using only their imagination.
READ MORE: Children's play centre Imagination Corner in Southampton celebrates
In a post on social media, Vicki said: "With a sad heart I have made the decision to close Imagination Corner after three amazing years.
"This hasn't been an easy decision but financially it's the best decision for me and my family.
"With the economy testing all businesses, small or large, mine unfortunately cannot take another year of trading."
The news was met with sadness from parents, with one saying that her toddler had "flourished" into a "confident girl" at the centre.
Another parent said they had "loved coming for the past few years" and that they were "so sad to see it close".
Vicki said though that she has had a "blast" with Imagination Corner, making "lifelong friendships" and having the privilege to share the "highs and lows" of children's and parent's lives.
"We have laughed and we have cried then if all else failed there was always a hug," she said.
"Imagination Corner has been a small community of people from all different walks of life and a ray of sunshine in a grey looking Shirley High Street.
"We have had mums, dads, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunties, uncles, care givers and friends all visit over the years.
"But what I am most proud of is being a listening ear and being able to facilitate strangers who became good friends."
Vicki finished the statement by calling the children she has catered for "incredible" and branded them a "credit to the grown ups who look after them".
"Please don't be sad it's over, be happy it happened," she said.
