Busy Beez - A Truly Unique Play Space
Centre MK, the largest shopping centre in Milton Keynes, approached us to supply their brand new play area because they wanted to create something a bit different. They wanted to step away from the traditional style of soft play areas commonly seen in shopping malls, instead opting for something visually attractive, eye catching and innovative with two separate areas - one for babies and toddlers and the other for the older pre-school children.
The ‘Busy Beez’ concept design.
Having settled on a bee theme fairly early on in our discussions, we then got to work designing bespoke play features that were in-keeping with the concept.
Everything about the design was bespoke; from the stainless steel slides, activity panels, oversized soft play bee, the honeypot charity coin collector to the beautifully crafted sloping exterior wall.
We used an appliqué technique for the bee and flower detail on the fabrics.
These flowers are connected with interactive speak and listen tubes, so children can send messages to each other as they play.
Something we always consider when designing a play space in a shopping centre is height, it’s important to keep the play at a low level to ensure visibility of not only the children, but the surrounding shops too. Within this space we made a conscious effort to maximise tactile play, whilst keeping everything technology-free.
Children can climb on the giant bee and crawl into the honey pot tunnel.
The hand-built anti-slip staircase to the slide is surrounded by 2 giant honey dippers.
Centre Director Kevin Duffy commented “We’re continuously looking to improve our Guests experience at centre:mk and recognise just how important our young family audience is. The investment we’ve made into the new soft play area is a reflection of our aim to entertain guests both young and old alike, and we hope this new play area gives families yet another reason to enjoy a day out here.”
Has Busy Beez left you feeling inspired? Contact us today to see what we could create for you.
