Maidenhead & Windsor

Shiver me timbers! Blow me down – the new Cheeky Charlie's coming to Maidenhead town!

There'll be lots of swashbuckling fun at the Maidenhead Magnet Leisure centre from early May when the newly-equipped Cheeky Charlie's indoor play area hoves into view with its new piratical theme after a complete refurbishment.

The new £80,000 air-conditioned indoor Maidenhead play structure will replace the popular soft-play area closed for refurbishment last week after more than 15 years. The original Charlie's was created in the early 90s and converted from a former squash court - its successor will be bigger and better, with three floors bursting with activities for babies and toddlers as well their older brothers and sisters.

Young "pirates" can walk the plank (well, tackle the logs!), climb the rigging (in this case wooden ramps and climbing nets) – and have a go at no less than 60 other "high seas" activities including negotiating spiders' webs, spinning, rolling and sliding over the brand new structure to promote healthy play.

The "good ship Charlie" will feature:
· separate baby and toddler areas on the ground floor
· junior area on the top two floors
· an area for parents and carers to sit and watch the youngsters having fun
· coffee bar and catering unit.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "The original Cheeky Charlie's concept was truly pioneering, and has proved hugely popular over the years.

"But it was really in need of refurbishment and modernising, and we are taking this opportunity to provide families with an exciting new, bigger and better facility which will not only encourage a huge variety of activities and healthy play but create a better environment for parents to supervise their children in comfort.

"All round it will provide a really fantastic family area which will complement the excellent facilities already available at the Magnet."

For further information about the new Cheeky Charlie's contact Chris Hall, Maidenhead Magnet leisure Centre manager, on 01628 796103.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead