Starting Up a Play Centre

Whether you’re interested in setting up a large scale indoor play area or a small soft play cafe; we can turn your idea into a living, working design. Every play environment we create is shaped around behaviour, sensory balance, and real-world use.

Whether your space is big or small, you must think about your overall offering; for the grown ups as well as the little ones. Ideally you want your space to be somewhere that parents, grandparents and friends can relax while the children engage in fun, challenging and safe play.

Formulas to help you get started

Child capacity

2 sqm = 1 child (children aged from 5+yrs)

1.5 sqm = 1 child (children aged from 0 to 4yrs)

(in accordance with RoSPA play safety guidelines)

How much space do we set aside for play?

As a very rough guide, we recommend splitting the space available into thirds:

1/3 – for play

1/3 – for parent seating

1/3 – for café, kitchen, toilets, staff room/office and storage.

Key areas for consideration

Lighting has an important role to play in the look and feel of a play space. When done right, a well-lit space builds a sense of wellbeing and orientates the children and other visitors.

Heating is a fundamental prerequisite to maintaining a comfortable environment, particularly for toddlers and young children; the primary daytime market.

A Café adds huge value to your offering as a “day out” destination. Be sure to cater to dietary requirements.

Amenities What’s the perfect complement to coffee while the kids are letting off some steam? Aside from fellow Mums or Dads, it’s WiFi! It goes without saying that you’ll also need clean and well-kept toilets, and a safe place to store coats and buggies.

Budget Make sure you have a solid business plan. Check you have the right planning permission and be clear on your local demographic; what the local community will expect and be willing to spend at your play centre.

Feeling inspired?

Start by booking a Strategic Design & Feasibility Session to explore your options.

Email: hello@tigerplay.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1249 740 750

“Words can’t express how delighted we are with the amazing sensory room installation provided by the Tigerplay team. The service they provided was second to none.

Tigerplay was very mindful of the fact this was our first sensory room, and guided us in the right direction when it came to choosing suitable items etc. Everyone from Tigerplay, especially those we met face to face, namely Gary, Kenny, Finn and David were all very helpful and professional.

The finished sensory room is way above our wildest dreams, and we are eternally grateful for all that Tigerplay have done for us. We would highly recommend Tigerplay to anyone who might be thinking of using their services. They are amazing. Many thanks from Wick Youth Club.”

Wick Youth Club

Get in Touch

Contact our dedicated team today to discuss your ideas with us.