Busy Bees, Bagshot
This new Busy Bees children’s nursery was created from an empty office building located centrally within Bagshot village conservation area and listed as a local heritage asset.
Designing for Young Children in a Historic Setting
We worked with our client and their design team to create a new nursery that met both operational and regulatory requirements for young children whilst retaining the historic features of the 19th century asset.
The final design allows for up to ninety four children in age groups between three months and five years. The building was adapted internally to create four separate child rooms across ground floor and first floor, each for a specific age group with designated WC facilities and nap areas. Access is also provided to the secure outdoor play areas to encourage exploration, creating a nurturing and safe outdoor environment.
Year completed
Floor area
Children places
Number of applications on the site in 10 years
Practical Solution To Enhance Access
A new main entrance door and canopy were created at the rear of the building within the later extension, allowing for direct connection between the parking areas and building entrance. Level access to the building was achieved here without the need for a ramp. This decision also protected the primary historic south elevation of the building.
As outdoor play areas were a priority for the scheme, a safe access route and exit door was created separately to the main entrance. The final design created designated children’s rooms that meet the specific needs of each age group, including milk preparation areas, WCs and nappy changing facilities located within each space for convenience.
