Playground that’s fit for a Queen
THe Queen is planning a major revamp of the children’s play area at her Sandringham estate to make it bigger and ‘more adventurous’.
The playground is open to children of members of the public at the 20,000-acre norfolk estate, which has 500,000 visitors a year
The new multi-level area will include features inspired by landmarks around Sandringham, which is privately owned by the monarch. The main feature will be a 26ft-high tower based on a former Victorian water tower on the estate. it will include a spiral staircase and a 46ft sliding tube back to the ground as well as ladders, a climbing wall and talking tubes for children to communicate between floors.
There will also be a giant replica of St mary magdalene Church, where Princess Charlotte was christened in 2015 and where the Queen regularly worships. Other features are based on the ruins of a second church and Queen Alexandra’s summer house.
Some of the play equipment will be linked by high-level walkways with ladders, a rope bridge and four tree decks, according to plans submitted to King’s Lynn and West norfolk Council.
it is unclear how much the update will cost. it is believed there will be no charge for children to use it but visitors have to pay to park their cars on the estate for longer than 30 minutes. Further charges are made for tickets to enter Sandringham House, its gardens and museum.
Plans for the new play area were welcomed by parents on social media who described them as ‘amazing’ and ‘exciting’. But one regular visitor remarked: ‘ it makes the place look even more like a theme park.’
A design statement says the estate’s existing play area will be enlarged to appeal to ‘a wider range of children and families’.
The plans follow recent improvements to car parks, the restaurant, shop and visitor centre.
The planning application says: ‘The play area is a vital part of the offering at Sandringham, creating a desirable location for families with young children.
‘it was discussed that the existing offering – although successful and enjoyed by many, could be improved by adding height to the structures – increasing the adventurous nature of the play elements and also creating themed elements, distinct and unique to Sandringham.’ Buckingham Palace said: ‘ Recently submitted planning applications...are part of the estate’s ongoing improvements works.’