New interactive Play Pavilion opens on Newcastle Quayside

The play area has been designed for all ages

A new interactive art attraction, intended as a public play area, has opened on Newcastle's Quayside.

The Play Pavilion, next to the River Tyne, comprises 14 button swings, surrounded by colour-changing seats.

NE1, the company set up to boost investment in the city, said the "bold and eye-catching" structure would stay in situ for "the foreseeable future".

The play frame has been designed and built by Newcastle-based architectural designers Raskl.

'Clever, fun and dramatic'

Measuring 16m wide by 7m long (52ft x 22ft), the Play Pavilion is described as "an adaptable multi-functional structure".

Ben Whitfield, from NE1, said: "We have one of the most iconic and beautiful waterfronts in the UK, if not Europe, and we have worked hard over the last few years to create clever, fun and dramatic seating and structures for people to rest and enjoy the views.

He added that the Play Pavilion had been designed to bring something "interesting" for locals and visitors alike, and was created with the potential to be "changed frequently" throughout the year.

Dan Rose, from Raskl, said: "We know from past experience how enthusiastic the audience is with interventions in this space and we look forward to seeing how people interact with the latest addition, and to see it brought to life with activity."

The area also includes a pink swing seat and a number of swivel seats which rotate through different colours when the sun goes down.

NE1 hopes it will offer a space and structure for collaborations with local artists, universities and community groups.

The seats surrounding the Play Pavilion are designed to change colour as the sun sets