Iconic London Routemaster buses could soon be transformed into mobile children's play areas, thanks to a new design project. The crimson double-deckers are as emblematic of the UK capital as yellow cabs are to New York or cable cars to San Francisco. But at the end of their working lives, these buses may find a second purpose as playful community assets.
Playdeck: A New Concept
Playdeck is one of three finalists for this year's Davidson Prize, an annual design competition that encourages innovative ideas around homes and housing. The theme for 2026 is 'Changing the Game: Building Play into Housing'. The Playdeck project aims to repurpose decommissioned Routemaster buses into mobile playgrounds that can be placed on the doorsteps of housing estates. Each bus would be fitted with playblocks that fit together like puzzle pieces, allowing children to rearrange them into different play scenarios for climbing, jumping, and imaginative games.
From Boris Buses to Eco-Friendly Fleet
The project also includes New Routemaster buses, commonly known as 'Boris Buses', which were introduced in 2012 by then London Mayor Boris Johnson at a cost of £350 million. After just 12 years of service, these buses are being phased out under current Mayor Sadiq Khan's plan to have all of London's 8,600 buses powered by batteries or hydrogen by 2030. The Playdeck concept offers a creative reuse for these soon-to-be-retired vehicles.
The Davidson Prize will award the winning design team £10,000 to bring their concept to life. The winner will be announced on June 30, with Playdeck competing against a community-led toolkit for play that adapts to neighbourhood needs and a project that transforms buildings' second staircases into safe play areas for children.
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