We are also in detailed discussions with a national family leisure operator to re-purpose and occupy the former Eldon Leisure Centre and other adjacent space including upper mall level to the south of Blackett Street.
The space currently includes the main sports hall, changing rooms, a former gymnasium, squash courts and dance studio. Much of the Leisure Centre has been empty since 2020. It is outdated and there is little prospect of it being let in its current configuration.
By re-working this space and joining it with the adjacent areas, including the existing soft play centre and ten pin bowling alleys, the combined space totals around 120,000 sq ft which can be dedicated to high-tech and family-focused indoor entertainment.
We are aiming to conclude an agreement with a national family leisure operator to take this newly reconfigured leisure space.
They are currently operating in other large UK cities and have successfully created an offer which blends a wide array of indoor activities for all ages from arcade games and virtual reality, to crazy golf and electric karting. This will combine with food and beverage, and live entertainment to provide a completely distinct offer for the city centre.
External changes are proposed to modernise the Blackett Street frontage to this building to provide a separate ground floor entrance and to introduce a terrace garden overlooking Old Eldon Square for the national family leisure operator.
