Dumfries & Galloway Council has granted conditional approval of the plans to create a pirate ship play feature in the Neverland Discovery Garden at Moat Brae in Dumfries. The ‘Jolly Roger’ will be one of many attractions for families to enjoy at the new National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling which is due to open in 2018.
See the planning application information on the Council website:
Reference: 16/1134/FUL
Alternative reference: 100022847-001
The plans for the pirate ship were designed by Edinburgh-based Jupiter Play and feature a tree-top walkway, tube slide, balance beam, accessible platforms and climbing nets which all link to a ship’s hull built over the Burns Walk pathway with a plank-like balcony overlooking the River Nith. There will be a storytelling space as well as a mast with sail, a crow’s nest, hammock and net tunnelling.
The whole assemblage has been designed to fit within the existing trees, terrain and the retaining structures at the lower level of the garden without impacting on the view from Moat Brae house. The play structure will be manufactured in natural handcrafted Robinia wood, that will blend with the garden character, is naturally durable and is pleasantly tactile, a perfect material to replicate the appearance of old ship’s timbers. Other parts such as netting and rope elements will be of natural-looking colour in durable materials.
Dame Barbara Kelly, Chairman of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust says: “This is a very exciting development and marks another step in the development of this inspirational project. Moat Brae is already becoming a focus for families looking for something special to do together and a place where imaginations are taking flight. The children of Dumfries can look forward to a magical future as they grow up playing a part in the new adventures at Moat Brae – where Peter Pan began’.
