New playpark unveiled for Maryport
Playtime experts The Soft Brick Company were commissioned to design the exciting new attraction
From a Roman watchtower and a Northern Lights display, to loads of seaside wildlife and some shipbuilding games - the new adventure play area at Maryport Activity Centre has been revealed.
Playtime experts The Soft Brick Company were commissioned to design the exciting new attraction, which is aimed at smaller children. It will be built inside the former theatre space of the harbourside venue, which used to be called the Wave. The building is currently undergoing a major refurbishment as part of the £12 million regeneration of Maryport.
The play park designers have taken their inspiration from Maryport’s coastal location and wildlife, picturesque harbour and Roman history.
Explaining their design, The Soft Brick Company team said: "As the children first enter the play frame, they can immerse themselves in things found at your coastal location, from meeting sea animals on our floor stocks and biff bash bags, to learning about sea clean-ups.
"Once through the coast, the children can climb higher, passing the Maryport Lighthouse to reach the historical harbour. Here they can balance on the boats and jump across the coal piles as they learn about the railway, ship building and coal trade.
"Finally the Roman fort is located on the top tier where the Maryport Watch Tower is waiting. Explore the secret treasure trove, swing across the castle parapet on our aerial glide and climb the stone walls, before defending their realm in the dizzy disc armoury and reconstructing Hadrian’s Wall in our construction zone."
As well as the new adventure play centre for young children, the Maryport Activity Centre transformation will include improvements to the Clip n’ Climb attraction, new multipurpose studio spaces, a community meeting space, party rooms and a better gymnasium.
Planning permission has already been granted for the scheme and Thomas Armstrong Group, of Flimby, is the main contractor. The aim is to reopen the building again in Winter 2024.
Cumberland Council is managing the regeneration projects.
The Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: "This looks absolutely fantastic. Our public consultation said more facilities for children were needed in Maryport and we are absolutely delivering that.
"This adventure play, alongside the new Shiver Me Timbers outdoor attraction and a splash park on the harbourside, as well as a new skate park on the Promenade, is making Maryport into an even better place to visit with the family."