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 Work on the Wisbech site in Cambridgeshire has started, despite the archaeological discoveries slowing things down! Earlier this year it was discovered that a grassy bank at the entrance to the Adventure Playground site may have been a Roman sea wall. A local team or archaeologists were employed to investigate. The results of an initial dig suggested that the bank was not a Roman sea wall but there was evidence of an Anglo Saxon settlement within the site.
A more extensive dig was then commissioned to determine the extent and significance of material contained within the site. Several shards of “Ipswich ware” pottery were discovered dating around 875 AD along with some indication of a settlement.
Working closely with the archaeologists Sutcliffe Play made sure that none of the proposed works would destroy any of the identified areas of interest. The archaeologists will now produce a report to document their findings and some of the material discovered will be put on show.
The archaeology team are now happy for the development to proceed and initial works have started on the site.
The gabion walling is taking shape and the perimeter fencing has started to be installed. Mounds for the cableway are being created and general preparation work for the equipment is progressing well.
Some pieces of general access play equipment have been installed to provide play opportunity for the local young people whilst the construction phase is under way. This is located away from the main site to ensure play is kept away from construction activities.
Moving on to the barges, which will form the toilet block and classroom facilities. The first barge is well under way and the hull is now fully formed with the boat builders now moving towards completing the cabin and internal fixtures. The barge will then be moved to a Wisbech boat yard for fitting out while the second barge is fabricated.
The barges are a unique design specially for the playground and feature a host of playful elements as well as bringing a piece of Wisbech’s maritime history to the site.
Andrew Lane, Operations Director at Sutcliffe Play comments, "It’s a great feeling to finally be working on this prestigious project, with the team at Sutcliffe Play as well as Cambridgeshire County Council, Fenland District Council and the local residents, all working together to ensure the playground best suits the needs and wishes of the local community, and by working together all the obstacles have been overcome."
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