Success:

Ustigate and Neath Port Talbot Council worked together on an aquatic play design that would please every age and ability and last the test of time. The design included a Supersplash No.2 tipping bucket that required planning permission. On 16th March 2021 planning permission was granted for the installation of a 6.3m high water chute feature within the Aqua Splash Upgrade Project; alongside all items destined for construction under permitted development. Works commenced and the new Aqua Splash at Aberavon Seafront opened with over thirty exciting water features including fountains, jets, cannons and a very large, fully loaded tipping bucket in July 2021.

The former facility provided a paddling pool and a few aquatic play items in a figure shape of the number eight. The new Aqua Splash has retained its former shape and there are now two areas that provide aquatic play for two different groups. One of the circular shapes is tailor-made for small and timid children and the other area is for children that arrive with confidence and a mission to get completely soaked. There is a foot shower for washing away sand that has travelled between toes from the beach and a lovely cluster of ground sprays that invite every guest in for a good time. Our Aqua Dome No.1 with its popular mushroom water effect accompanies ten different low level water features; Directional Jet, Fountain Spray, Team Spray, Jet Stream 1 & 2, Magic Mist, Water Bloom 1 & 2  and Donut Spray are all in the mix for visitors that love nothing more than a ground spray haven. The Supersplash No.2, Tube No.1 water cannons and Bloom No.1 with Twirltec™ technology along with several other interactive above ground play items reside in circular area number two. Two Spray Loop’s provide an all-round-spray entrance and exit between the zones. An activation bollard and four foot actuators are dotted around inviting everyone to push the button to start the fun. Whilst all the children are enjoying going from one element to the next, their guardians can stop, put their feet up and enjoy spectating from nearby seating. There is a kiosk that offers ice-creams and other refreshments.

Aberavon Aqua Splash is now 100% inclusive in its offering as all of the aquatic play items are provided in a zero depth Splashpad® environment. The new facility uses less water, provides many more activities and the surface is finished in blue and green EPDM wetpour.  The water management system is a PWTAG compliant recirculation system with below ground tanks and a made by Ustigate remote access controller. Our controller will sound an alarm if any of the critical plant equipment including the water treatment needs attention. It also provides data on water usage and enables Celtic Leisure to set opening and closing times and sequencing. Setting a sequence for the water features adds more suspense, anticipation and theatre to the experiences involved, whilst conserving water.

Cllr Annette Wingrave, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainable Development said: “Over the past two decades there has been major investment in infrastructure and facilities on the Aberavon Seafront and promenade by the Council’s Regeneration Team with help from funders including the Big Lottery Fund and the Green Seas Programme. During these years, updated public toilets have been installed, along with railings, seating, lighting and signage, plus two new children’s play areas, a skateboard park and re-designed sunken gardens making the Aberavon Seafront a major attraction in South Wales.”

Cllr Peter Rees, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, added : “The new look Aqua Splash will provide local people and visitors with a fantastic family attraction overlooking the sea at Aberavon Beach and will complement the outdoor gym which has just been put in place on the seafront.”

Link to Aberavon Aqua Splash FAQ