Bluewater has announced that its Wintergarden play area is set to be refurbished, to create a new, larger space for guests to enjoy. The play park will close at the start of November, allowing the transformation to begin, with works set to complete in Spring 2026.
The design for the new Wintergarden play park follows a competition with local school, Temple Hill Primary School, where Year 6 students were tasked with creating their dream playground. The winning design served as the inspiration for the space, which will be equipped with more than 30 play pieces and features that promote physical, sensory, and imaginative play throughout, including:
- A bespoke Mushroom Multiplay unit which will feature two impressive structures connected by a high-level crawl tunnel. The lower-level unit will cater to younger children and will be wheelchair accessible, featuring a wobbly bridge, telescope viewpoint, and wavy slide. The taller unit will be over eight metres tall and include six floors, a six-metre spiral tube slide, and a bouldering wall.
- A wildlife wheelspin – a reimagined roundabout which is flush to the ground to allow easy access for wheelchair users – will enable children and adults with and without mobility aids to play side by side. The wheelspin will also include a fitted seat for support.
- Arch swings and a standing seesaw will overlook the Wintergarden Lake. The arch swings will comprise of a mixture of cradle seats for toddlers, flat rubber seats, and an accessible nest basket, whereas the standing seesaw will encourage multiple users to work as a team to rock it.
- A hillside retreat will utilise the natural landscape and offer an obstacle course alongside a chime quartet, with guests able to navigate on mushroom stepping plates. The hillside retreat will be wheelchair accessible (with assistance).
Sensory and social play zones will be in place throughout the new play park to encourage spontaneous play, such as:
- A memo interactive activity zone which will blend technology with education and competition by offering over 64 activities from quizzes to games.
- A multi-activity sensory panel will also be installed and will include activities like tumble balls and tactile leaves.
- Tactile topiary will offer hands-on experiences, including braille, to enhance coordination and refine motor skills.
- A Play Wall will be situated near the entrance alongside a seating area and will feature a series of talk tubes configured at different heights to encourage social interaction amongst visitors of all ages. It will also include a visually stimulating spinning wheel and pixels game, plus opportunities for competition with interactive games throughout.
The play park will also feature subtle lighting throughout to connect all areas and provide aesthetic appeal, especially during the darker winter months.
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, commented: “We’re proud to be investing in Bluewater to create a fantastic full day out experience for guests of all ages. These works will significantly enhance our family offering, giving an inclusive play experience that transforms a key area of the centre into an engaging hub for children of all ages and abilities.
“We look forward to welcoming families back to experience the magic of the new space once it opens next year and we thank the Year 6 students of Temple Hill Primary School for their inspired ideas.”
Alongside the play park renovations, Bluewater will be updating the Boardwalk to offer new seating options, canopies, and planters, ensuring the space complements the new facilities and can be enjoyed all year round.
For more information, please visit https://www.bluewater.co.uk/en