Plans have been revealed for the new Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground due to open at Willows Activity Farm next year.
The popular attraction at London Colney today (Thursday) unveiled the construction plans for its new themed play area, which is due to open in April 2016.
The area, to be named the ‘Peter Rabbit™ Adventure Playground’, will be 1,400 square metres in size and aims to encourage active, imaginative and wholesome play for children.
It will have 10 activities themed around the world-famous and much-loved Beatrix Potter characters, including the Mrs Tiggy-Winkle Kitchen, a Jeremy Fisher Musical Pond and Benjamin Bunny Treetop Adventure.
The centrepiece will be The Peter Rabbit Secret Treehouse, built around a 100-year-old ash tree at the Coursers Road site near St Albans, Hertfordshire.
All of the play equipment has been developed by Lappset Creative, a leading manufacturer of themed playground attractions.
Andrew Wolfe, chief executive of Willows, said: “We were keen to integrate the new play activities with the beautiful natural environment at Willows, and Lappset have ensured that that vision was reflected in an area that is exciting and stimulating for families, yet respects the countryside setting of Willows.”
He added: “We have invested over £1 million in this development – that includes the planned area, as well as the branding and re-theming of some existing areas on site.”
Johan Granholm, director of Lappset Creative, said: “It’s been great working to develop the bespoke play areas that fit each character so well.
“We aim to help children learn through play, and every aspect of the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground will encourage each child’s development and creativity in a fun, engaging way.”
Peter Rabbit has recently been brought to a new generation of fans on the CBeebies channel by Silvergate Media, co-producers and global licensing agent of the hit CGI animated TV series.
Thomas Merrington, VP brand and creative at Silvergate Media, said: “Each of the Peter Rabbit characters has a personality and we’ve worked with Lappset Creative and Willows Activity Farm to bring that out in each activity area.
“This will be the first of its kind in the world and the plans look fantastic. I know that Peter Rabbit fans will absolutely love it!”
The new play attraction will open to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter, author of the original books.
* For more information, visit www.willowsactivityfarm.com or follow @Willows_Farm on Twitter for all the latest updates.
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