The aim is to provide a free local play space for families with children of all ages, so that they can shop, sit, relax and play.
How big is the play village?
The scheme features a destination play village at the heart of the city centre at a staggering 1,120 sqm in size – the equivalent to nearly five tournament tennis courts, making it one of the largest city centre play spaces in the country!
What will be in the play village?
It will be space for children of all ages, with a separate, secure toddler play area. Young explorers can climb, swing, balance, run through water jets and build imaginary worlds in the natural habitats of the ‘play village’. There will also be plenty of seating throughout.
A sensory play zone will be located within a quiet area for those children that appreciate it and accessibility will be a key element of the design for those with disabilities. The public toilets nearby will be enhanced. Some of the historic chess boards from the original Braille Garden will also be repurposed and positioned with new seating across from the play space, to give a grown-up recreational area.
What play equipment will be suitable for children with disabilities?
The play equipment will have a number of pieces of equipment suitable for children with disabilities, including a swing and spinner bowl, with the wooden huts (which would incorporate a ramp).
What is in the sensory green play area?
The sensory garden is located around the restored Phoenix fountain and will consist of plants to specifically stimulate the senses through touch and scent. The raised base for the fountain will also incorporate a braille message to reflect the history of the garden.
A new sensory play area has been specifically designed to be separate to the main play so it will be a quieter and calmer space for children who are neurodiverse. This space will incorporate varying surface finishes, two levels of grass for texture and interest, bark mulch path/area and a sand area. A sound stone will also be in the sand pit. In addition, we aim to include specialised audio play equipment, such as a singing stone, windpipes, impulse spheres and tubular chimes.