Waveney Norse was looking to upgrade a tired facility, Royal Green in Lowestoft, Suffolk, which was no longer compliant and had become non-economical to keep repairing. They required something different made from materials which would stand up to salt air and the harsh coastal environment to ensure a low whole-of-life cost for the community.
The customer wanted the nautical history of Lowestoft town to come through in the design, with links to the fishing industry and port which Lowestoft is recognised for. They did not want the usual wooden boats which seem to be popular in so many coastal seaside authorities play areas.
Meetings and discussions were held with stakeholders and community representatives. Following the consultation and tender process Sutcliffe Play was the company chosen to partner and deliver the new play facility.
Sutcliffe Play’s bespoke design had a nautical theme and featured equipment from the Mission range.
Designed for older juniors, Mission offers testing, high energy, physical play opportunities focusing on climbing, traversing, and descending in unique ways. Intended to keep children interested for extended playing time, Mission can help them keep active and fit.
The playground at Royal Green features equipment arranged in the form of a ship, including ‘walk the plank’ stepping poles, a ‘ship’s bow’ with low level climbing wall and a ‘crow’s nest’ lookout tower.
The Mission range met the requirement for durable equipment which could withstand the environment. It features tough aluminium uprights with four internal ribs giving extreme durability in the ground, and soft rubber with a steel core which ensures durability.
Platforms and panels are constructed from a core of exterior quality plywood. Covered in Sutcliffe Play’s unique polyurethane (PU) coating, 3mm thick, it seals out moisture for a long life with no maintenance. It has a soft cushioning effect and the textured surface provides grip even when wet. Mission’s nets are made from hard-wearing polypropylene, steel core rope.
In fact, the material on Mission panels is so tough it is also used on the buoys around the North Sea oil rigs.
“The Sutcliffe Mission range was ideal but we needed to look past the standard configurations.”
“We now have a special site in the Suffolk area which we can all be very proud of and are hoping to continue with a second phase of development. I would recommend anyone thinking of installing a play area to contact Sutcliffe Play and discuss their vision.” Simon Walker, Property Services Manager, Waveney Norse
