Plans have been submitted for the next play areas, community gardens and additional rental homes at the new Waterbeach development. The plans include spaces for community gardens, play areas for younger children including bike tracks, games areas and hangout space for older children and teens.
Waterbeach Gardens East contains a grassed area for play, relaxation and informal exercise such as outdoor yoga as well as creative play opportunities integrated into wooded areas that will include discovery discs to explore the development’s heritage and ecology, and a range of games to encourage intergenerational play. A Tots Track with small undulations, tight turns and an impact absorbing surface will also
help little ones develop their riding skills.
The plans also include an extension of the existing consent for rental homes, adding seventeen new two-bedroom rental homes, five of which will be affordable. The homes will be well-insulated and incorporate energy efficiency measures including solar PV panels and air source heat pumps. The first properties are expected to be available later this year to help meet demand for high-quality rental opportunities in the area.
Alongside the existing Wild Woods play area, a new space for imaginative play will be introduced within a newly planted section of woodland. This area of discovery and exploration will include playhouses, timber snail and stone rabbit sculptures and a low-level climbing structure. Sensory elements will also encourage children of all abilities to explore, including rotating disc spirals and distorting mirrors. Picnic tables will provide seating and opportunities for alfresco dining.
Overlooking an attenuation pond that will become a haven for wildlife, Waterbeach Central Gardens will incorporate play equipment for school aged children, with some play features for younger children so that there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of the design, with elements such as a wheelchair see-saw, a cradle nest swing and a hut combination with multiple levels for imaginative and role-playing games.
A playful trail with balancing beams, jumping discs and stepping logs will also weave through the planting and interact with the landform, leading to a rope nest that acts as a focal and social point overlooking the water.
Situated at Lakeside East, an imaginative play trail will run parallel with the lake’s shoreline. To the north of the trail, children can pretend to sail the high seas of Waterbeach lake on two play sailing boats while accompanying adults can relax in a hammock overlooking over the lake.
Paul Mumford, Project Director for Waterbeach master developer Urban&Civic said: “The plans represent the diversity of the community at Waterbeach, providing space for families and the community to gather together and form the bonds that make a strong, connected community. We look forward to delivering these new play spaces as the community at Waterbeach continues to thrive.
“These facilities sit alongside other considerable community infrastructure including the new shop, café and community space and the bus to Cambridge to ensure that Waterbeach becomes a thriving new place.”
Subject to planning consent, work will start on the new play spaces and additional rental homes alongside the existing Build to Rent scheme.
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These facilities sit alongside other considerable community infrastructure including the new shop, café and community space and the bus to Cambridge to ensure that Waterbeach becomes a thriving new place.
