Overview

Context

In 2012, Hastings Borough Council identified an area of land that it wanted to build a play area on, to enhance the experience for visitors to the seafront. One of these was the play space at Pelham Beach, which is located on the very busy Hastings’ seafront. This is a very popular tourist destination for holidaymakers and remains very busy and popular all year round. 

The original play area included play features that brought the Battle of 1066 to life and other features of Hastings’ maritime past. 

Over the next 12 years, eibe Play worked alongside the Council to ensure the play area remained in great working condition so it could withstand the thousands of visitors who would use the area all year round. The seafront location meant only the most durable kit would suit this environment. 

Challenge

In late 2024, eibe Play was invited by Hastings Borough Council to tender for the refurbishment of the existing play area. The majority of the existing play equipment was still in good working condition, however the Council wanted to update elements of the play area, and to make it more appealing and accessible for all children aged 0-14 years. 

Solution

eibe Play was awarded the scheme in early 2025 and carried out a period of consultation with local schools and the general public. This reinforced the desire for accessible equipment and a toddler climbing structure, which were then incorporated into the design. 

eibe Play has designed the new play area to be accessible for all users all year round improving accessibility from the upper level to the lower levels which will help families navigate around the play area. 

Play equipment

The new play area includes a toddler play zone as children enter the play, including Daisy toddler swings, the Kamet toddler multi-play and inclusive roundabout. Opposite these, the design incorporates the inclusive Stand-Up Seesaw and Turtle spring rockers. 

As the children work their way round the play area, they will come across other exciting play equipment such as the accessible Sunken Ship, which features a 1.45m-high slide, nets and climbing walls. Other play items include the nest swing and junior swing frames, balancing trail combination, Nerea climbing unit, seaside play house and numerous sea-themed play panels.

Another unique feature of this play space is the tunnel and sand pit combination, which includes a construction unit and rowing boat, ideal for children between 2 and 6 years old. 

Safety surfacing

Due to the close proximity to the sea, it was important that the wetpour and bonded mulch safety surfacing included theming elements to bring it to life with relevance to its location. eibe included sea and sand colours and incorporated turtles, crabs and palm tree graphics.

Outcome

Work started in early June, and the grand opening took place in late July, attracting a large crowd of excited families. eibe Play supported this event by organising a pirate actor, face painting and free ice-creams for the children. 

eibe Play looks forward to working alongside the Council for years to come, to ensure its play space remains a success.