customer case

The Gruffalo

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Case Details

Location

United Kingdom

Customer

Merlin Entertainment Ltd

Sector

Leisure

Style

Age Group

3+

User Capacity

15+

Complement Existing Local Attractions with Innovative Play Areas

The Merlin Magic Design Studio approached KOMPAN to work with them on concept designs for a new themed attraction to be beneath the Sealife Centre in Blackpool as part of the Merlin Entertainment Groups planned growth in the region. The attraction was to compliment their existing themed offerings in the area, without compromising them. These include Blackpool Tower, Madam Tussauds and Peter Rabbit. The space was an unused area beneath the Sealife Centre, that had previously been a series of shops and arcades. They had selected the stories by Julia Donaldson, The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Zog and The Snail on the Whale to theme the attraction on and wanted a bespoke play feature to be the centre piece of the attraction. As the building is beneath the Sealife Centre there are several large structural pillars that we had to develop our layout around. Another consideration was the materials we used ensure we limited any environmental impact within the surrounding area.

“KOMPAN proved to be an absolute dream to work with, ensuring perfection in every step, from concept development to the final creation. Collaborating with their team was not only rewarding and fun but also immensely creative. Their innovative approach and boundless enthusiasm infused the entire experience with excitement and camaraderie."

Carl Hackett, Senior Creative Designer for Resort Theme Parks

The gruffalo - gallery 1
The gruffalo - gallery 4
The gruffalo - gallery 3
The gruffalo - gallery 2

The Result?

Working directly with the project team led by Carl Hackett (Creative Director), Janet Gurr (Hotel and new opening Director) and Steve Hughes (Site & Project Manager) for Merlin Entertainment Ltd, KOMPAN developed the initial concept layout for the area. KOMPAN worked alongside 10 other companies to deliver the project, from lighting specialists to bespoke flooring installers. By working closely with these companies, we were able to create a fantastic land that transports users to a safe imaginative world of discovery. The entire space was remodelled to create an exploration experience, that would captivate and bring visitors back time and time again. There are play features for all ages from sensory baby/toddlers zones in the Snail on the Whale’ through to ‘the Wild Woods’ were visitors get to meet the Gruffalo and his friends!

PHYSICAL
Games area to help elevate fitness, muscle and bone strength, motor skills and cognitive function.
Cognitive
Joy of learning: curiosity, understanding of causal relationships and knowledge of the world
SOCIAL - EMOTIONAL
A safe space to help children nurture their social skills through teamwork and provide a sense of belonging. Decreasing a Child's stress and increasing their joy while on holiday.
Creative
Joy of creating: co-creation and experimenting with materials

Products in this solution

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Play Hut with Stairway

NRO703

Play Hut with Stairway

3+ years

44.6 m2

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