Young pirates go nuts for Orpington’s buzz zone

On 2 June, Bromley MyTime opened a new soft play centre for youngsters under the age of 11 at Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington.

The leisure trust, which operates facilities on behalf of the London Borough of Bromley, invested £565,000 in the new pay and play centre, called buzz zone.

Officially unveiled by Chris Jarvis from Cbeebies on the BBC, the play centre features a four-storey play area themed around a pirate ship, play facilities include rigging for climbing, a large drop slide and ball cannons.

A smaller crèche area, children’s party rooms and a new Flavours café have also been added.

Chair of Bromley Mytime, Dennis Barkway, said: “These improvements were much needed and are already proving very popular with our customers.

“We are committed to earning further surplus to reinvest back into all our services, gaining quality improvements for the benefit of all residents.”

Executive member for resources at Bromley Council, Neil Reddin, added: “Getting young people active in early life is the best preparation for being healthy in young adulthood and this service is already setting new standards for quality.” Details: www.bromleymytime.org.uk

Photograph: Chris Jarvis from Cbeebies, Dennis Barkway and Councillor Neil Reddin celebrate the opening of buzz zone