NEW images have been unveiled of a play area set to become the centrepiece of Aberdeen’s £150 million beachfront regeneration project.
The landmark feature was inspired by the city’s rope making heritage and developed through design workshops with local children and young people. The focal point will be the Sky Tower, a 23-metre structure providing views across the city and the North Sea.
The bespoke creation was designed by the same team that created the world’s largest play structure, the Lilidorei Play Village at Alnwick Garden in Northumberland. It mimics the intertwined shapes of rope and includes a rope matrix which allows youngsters to scale up into part of the structures.
The structures have four distinct areas – The Village, The Woodlands, The Sky Tower, and The Glens – which offer a multitude of inclusive play features in a ‘safe yet challenging’ environment, the council said.
The first part of the play area is The Village which is aimed at two-five-year-olds with several different shop fronts. There is a ship to captain and a bridge to cross the street, while doors lead to secret passages and other areas.
The Woodlands offers the opportunity to explore trees with hidden routes through the forest and rope tunnels and winding stairs allowing the chance to reach the treetops. A fireman’s pole lets children slide back down to ground level.
The Sky Tower takes users on a journey into space, starting from the woodland floor and moving up through the different levels such as ‘Under the Skies’, ‘In the Clouds’, and ‘Outer Space’ before arriving at the viewing platform, which is enclosed by a steel mesh.
The viewing platform will give clear views from 23m above the ground and there are steel tube slides on several levels. The final section is The Glens, inspired by the Aberdeenshire wildlife and countryside and aimed at older children.
The steel-clad structures are being manufactured in Scotland and will be assembled on site later this year. The foundations have already been laid as part of the ongoing works. A competition to give local primary school pupils a chance to give the structure it’s official name will be announced in the coming weeks.
Aberdeen City Council co-leader councillor Ian Yuill said, “The new play area is part of the Council’s wider investment in the city and its communities. This project will be a place where future generations can make memories of the Beachfront whilst it also strengthens our tourism offer.”
Aberdeen City Council co-leader councillor Christian Allard added, “This project will create a major draw for residents and visitors alike. A competition to give local primary school pupils a chance to give the structure it’s official name will be announced in the coming weeks.”
