A new underwater-themed adventure play area is set to open as part of a seaside town’s £20 million revival.
Council chiefs say the new facility will soon be installed at Beachfields in Sheerness.
The venue, which was home to an aging health and leisure centre, is currently undergoing major upgrades, including to its paddling pool and the creation of a new mini golf course.
The project is part of Swale Borough Council’s £20 million Sheerness Revival programme, and is funded by the government through its Pride in Place Impact Fund (PIPIF).
Pictures reveal what the new play area will look like – with the ground floor of the structure set to include a calming sensory area and toddler zone complete with a roleplay vet and café.
The first floor will host a sports pitch and a variety of physical challenges, while the top level will have ‘tag active’ elements challenging players to tap wristbands against sensors across climbing walls and rope bridges to score points.
To finish the course, two slides connect the top deck straight back to the ground.
Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of Swale Borough Council’s economy and property committee, said: “The adventure play will bring something truly special to the Island, which children of all ages will enjoy.
“With the sensory room, roleplay areas, and challenging obstacle courses, it provides development and entertainment opportunities for everyone.
“We also wanted to make sure the Sheerness Revival is providing a good balance of free attractions too.
“That is why we are adding an outdoor gym, revamping the paddling pool, installing a cycle track, and building a multi-use games area adding to our amazing pirate ship play area nearby.”
The Beachfields project is part of the wider Sheerness Revival programme, which also includes the recently completed expansion of EKC Sheppey College, providing engineering and design courses and space for a new junior college, and the creation of Makers Studios at Masters House, offering spaces for young entrepreneurs with the support of enterprise charity Launch It.
Cllr Bonney added: “[Beachside] is just one part of the wider Sheerness Revival project.
“We are already seeing local young people benefit from the EKC Sheppey College extension, and entrepreneurs finding support in the new makers studios at Masters House.
“We cannot wait to open this new centre so local people can start to enjoy the new and improved services on offer.”
