A children's play centre with a difference has opened in Bradford – featuring barista style coffees, organic food and a “nurturing" space.
Happy Planet Play Centre, found in Baildon Green Mills, has been a long-held dream for Chantelle Buck-Forrest.
From wooden climbing frames to bikes and sand pits, Happy Planet is an eco-friendly, sensory play centre for under 5s.
Chantelle drew from her experience as a mum to create a more calming play centre experience for both parent and child.
Surrounded by smiling sunflower and leaf illustrations, children can also explore the stage area for budding performers, home corner and sensory tables and activities.
Chantelle has upcycled different industrial materials such as cable reels to bring her vision to life.
Chill music and children's trap songs by Blake Rules play in the background.
Sharing more about the journey to building her business, she said: “It would have been about five years ago. My little girl will have been about four. I’d begun my health and natural living when she was born and I just wanted to integrate what I’d learnt about natural living into children’s play areas. That’s how it all began really.
“I was living in London then I moved to Yorkshire about four years ago. I started looking for places to birth my idea.
“Overstimulated children with so many colours that are loud and brash, that was exactly what I didn’t want. I wanted to bring the outdoors in.
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“It has to be a nurturing and calm space for them to feel safe and not to be overstimulated so their brains can open and expand.
Meanwhile Happy Planet’s snack bar serves up organic, wholesome meals for a range of dietary needs as well as hot and cold drinks.
The menu offers anything from homemade tomato soup and toasties to beans on toast.
The café also uses locally sourced products, including bread from Polish bakery The House of Bread in Frizinghall to Casa Espresso’s coffee blends roasted in Bradford.
"Why should the parents have to suffer when you’re doing a good thing taking your child to play?
“I just wanted to give people an experience I enjoy. It seems they really are enjoying it. I’ve had so many great reviews.
“It’s really fulfilling. It’s really nice hearing the children laugh. It’s just lovely.”
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