The winning team will lead on the design and delivery of a new outdoor water play area within the 8.8ha Mundy Playing Fields, a key open space in the historic market town of Thornbury which is located around 18km north of Bristol.
The project will transform a decommissioned splash pad and the adjacent Poulterbrook Stream into an accessible, sustainable, and engaging water play facility for families from Thornbury and the wider community.
The 385m² scheme – planned to complete in May 2027 – will redevelop the heart of a popular public recreation ground, providing inclusive multi-sensory play, embedded water management, and biodiversity improvements.
According to the brief: ‘Thornbury Town Council is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Landscape Architect to lead the design and development of a unique outdoor water play area.
‘This project will transform the splashpad and stream into an engaging, safe, environmentally friendly water play area for the community for years to come. The successful tenderer will be expected to support the project through RIBA Stages 0–7, overseeing careful deconstruction of the previous facility, service upgrades, and full design and delivery.’
Thornbury is a historic market town in South Gloucestershire with a population of around 14,500 people. Mundy Playing Fields is a large open green space which has been left in trust for the benefit of local residents since 1945.
Mundy Playing Fields is bordered by allotments, fields, and a range of community sports and play facilities, and draws visitors from across the region.
The latest redevelopment is a central part of Thornbury Town Council’s capital strategy and is fully funded. The appointed team will be expected to deliver full RIBA Stages 0–7, from careful deconstruction and service upgrades to concept, technical design, and aftercare.
The design brief requires the winning team to demonstrate compliance with Thornbury Town Council’s climate action plan and all regulations covering play, water safety, accessibility, and health and safety.
Decommissioning of the current facility, environmental upgrades, and commitment to long-term sustainability are also expected.
Bids for the commission will be evaluated 70 per cent on quality and 30 per cent on price. Insurances required are employer’s liability (£5 million), public liability (£2 million), and professional indemnity insurance.
Competition details
Project title Redevelopment of Water Play Facility, Mundy Playing Fields, Thornbury
Client Thornbury Town Council
Contract value Quotes invited (funding fully secured)
First round deadline 9am, 18 August 2025
Restrictions Tenderers must supply comprehensive documentation and demonstrable experience in relevant public realm projects. All applicants must provide evidence of 3–5 years of experience in landscape architecture, a record of public play or nature-based projects, and demonstrable skills in water management and sustainable drainage, inclusive design, and ecological planting
More information www.thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk/tender-opportunity-landscape-architect-water-play-redevelopment/