MAGICAL: Olivia Phillips, creator and founder of PoppelwoodA 19-year-old entrepreneur has focused her creative talents and opened a new children’s play centre with a difference.
Poppelwood, based on Trecenydd Business Park near Caerphilly, is a fully-immersive and interactive fantasy land for children up to the age of eight.
Created by Olivia Phillips, from Blackwood, the centre is based around the imaginary world of Poppels – elvish creatures that live in the forest.
Olivia explained how the story of Poppelwood developed when she was a little girl and grew with her.
She said: “This has all been in the planning for about eight years.
“The idea for the Poppels has always been in my mind, but I then thought this could be something big.
“Things really started moving in 2015 and 2016. All the creative backstory was ready and then we just had to source it all and find the right location.”
The main play area has life-like artificial grass underfoot, giant toadstools, flowers and trees and several Poppel houses.
There is also a wizard’s hideout – home of Poppelwood character Drumdrad. The interactive area – complete with smoking cauldron – has proved popular with children’s parties since Poppelwood opened four months ago.
The centrepiece of Poppelwood is the all-wooden play equipment which is in-keeping with the centre’s theme.
Bespoke to Poppelwood, the frame has been inspected by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Of course, no magic land would be complete without magical inhabitants.
Olivia has created a full cast of colourful characters – each played with aplomb by staff – who read stories and entertain children.
She added: “Poppelwood is proving popular with schools as our venue is centred around literacy and learning.”
• Poppelwood can be found in Unit 19, Trecenydd Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 2RZ call 029 2088 8444. Entry for under 3s is £3.50, while children up to the age of eight cost £5. Adults go free.