Knowle West Children’s Centre

Whilst undertaking a major build to expand the buildings, Knowle West Children’s Centre in Bristol commissioned Green Play Project as principle contractor to design and install a practical, flexible new garden that was inspiring and engaging for all ages whatever the weather.

The play equipment is all bespoke for this project and fits into the existing topography to provide all aspects of natural play with loose parts, climbing, swinging and crawling elements. It also appeals to a wide age group being non-prescriptive and free flowing. A main feature is the 50m dry river bed scattered with limestone boulders set in a large sand pit. It allows children to learn about water and be able to manipulate it in a playful manner.

Playground with a sandbox, artificial grass, rocks, small plants, a tire, and a building with blue windows and a yellow door.
Children playing on a grassy hill in a playground with sand area and colorful play structure in the background, surrounded by leafless trees and a fence.
Children's playground with wooden logs, a green grassy area, and a sand area with toy trucks, next to a brick building with blue doors and windows.
A wooden pavilion with bunting decorations on a sunny day in a community garden or park area with paved ground and potted plants.
A grassy backyard with hanging tire swings under a leafy tree, surrounded by wildflowers and logs, with houses visible in the background.
Wooden playhouse with a slide on a grassy area, surrounded by a blue fence and a string of colorful flags.

“Green Play Project have supported us to develop beautiful and outstanding outdoor spaces for our three nurseries. I really enjoy working with Simon and his team as they listen really carefully and ensure that the provision meets the needs of all of the children; providing them with open ended spaces that enable them to explore with all of their senses.”

Sarah Salmon, Head Teacher

Knowle West Children’s Centre delivers the majority of the curriculum outdoors and runs classes and groups for the whole community so we provided a space to host community events and celebrations with an outdoor kitchen and covered seating area. The kitchen has fitted worktops, cupboards, electricity and a working sink.The Outdoor Classroom is fully accessible with a ramp as a social and group space for outdoor learning. Rainwater from the roof is harvested to fill the wildlife pond that set next to the converted narrow boat that is now a den set alongside a wildlife pond which can be used for play and quiet time.

Wooden outdoor pavilion with a raised deck, surrounded by trees and flowers, with a stepping stone path leading to it.
Young girl crawling on a wooden playground structure outdoors, viewed through a frame of green leaves with trees and a building in the background.
A wooden outdoor structure with a slanted roof, open sides, and a door, surrounded by planters with plants, under a clear blue sky.
An outdoor playground area featuring a sandy surface with a border of large reddish-brown rocks. There are plants along the edge of the play area, and in the background, there are additional play structures, a small gazebo, and residential houses. To
Wooden gazebo with a red metal roof, decorated with colorful triangular flags, and a young leafless tree in front, enclosed with a wooden fence.
Children's playground area with a wooden playhouse, slide, sandbox, and colorful bunting, enclosed by a blue fence in a backyard.

The journey from boat to classroom

Our talented team transformed half an old narrow boat into a fun and cosy space for play and learning.

A crowded canal with a narrowboat moving through the water, emitting white steam or smoke from its chimney, while people are sitting and standing along the bank observing the scene.
People sitting on a boat, with one person tending to a chimney emitting smoke, on a canal near a brick building.
An old, rusty boat on muddy ground with a small potted plant on the deck and a makeshift wooden table nearby, under a partly cloudy sky.
An old boat in a workshop undergoing restoration, with ladders and tools around it.
A person wearing a welding helmet and protective clothing is welding metal in an industrial workshop. Sparks and bright light are visible from the welding process.
The interior of a small, unfinished or under-construction camper van with exposed wooden framing, some walls partially covered, a small step or platform at the far end, a ladder with a bottle of wood glue on top, and a workbench or table on the right
Inside a small room under construction with unfinished walls, ceiling, and floor. There are circular vents on the walls, a closed wooden door, and steps leading to the door. A blue shop vacuum with a hose is on the floor.
Close-up of a red and black boat hull inside a warehouse, with a black railing on the boat's deck and storage shelves in the background.
A crane lifting a red and black narrowboat onto a flatbed truck during transportation at a boatyard.
A small house or play area shaped like a boat, surrounded by a wooden fence, with trees and a gazebo nearby.
A young girl in a yellow jacket and red pants playing on a boat-shaped playground structure.
A young child wearing a yellow jacket and pink pants is entering an indoor playhouse through open colorful doors. Inside, the play area has a green carpet and a small set of stairs leading to a fenced section with a gate, illuminated by natural light
Children playing in a wooden playhouse with small stairs, windows, and a patch of green artificial grass. One child is standing at the top of the stairs, looking outside.
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A young boy swinging on a tire swing in a wooded outdoor area, smiling and pointing.
A circular orange badge with a white bees and leaf design in the center.