A new trampoline park – which would create 20 jobs – could be on its way to Co Armagh, Armagh I can exclusively reveal.
The development has been proposed as part of the exciting plans at the former B&Q store at Highfield.
And the intended tenant is the award-winning Air-tastic, which is part of the Funky Monkeys brand.
Air-tastic already operates in Bangor and Cork with new parks ‘coming soon’ to Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Derry-Londonderry.
And now too Co Armagh – if approval is given by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Already Marks and Spencer and O’Neills are confirmed as opening new outlets in the new Marlborough Retail Park, which consists of four units and over 500 parking spaces.
But an application is being brought forward for a change of use for one of the units – the largest – to accommodate Air-tastic.
The development would also include a cafe.
And it is expected that 20 new jobs – both full and part-time positions – will be created.
Among the activities on offer at Bangor are trampolines, obstacle course, foam pits, dodgeball, jump challenges, gladiator battle beams, huge airbag and much more!
There are also special play zones for ‘younger bouncers’ so they can have the same fun in a safe and secure environment.
At the Craigavon site, Unit 4, it is intended, would be split into two units. It currently consists of more than 4,200 sq metres of floor space over two levels.
The intention is for one unit to remain earmarked for food retail.
But the additional unit would be converted into an indoor trampoline park and cafe – over 1,000 sq metres on ground floor and 660sq metres on a partial mezzanine floor.
A transport assessment form has been compiled on behalf of the applicants – Turkington Holdings – to be considered as part of the application process by planning officials.
It provides information in relation to anticipated usage and peak times, where it is expected that up to 100 customers an hour would enjoy the huge range of facilities and activities on offer during Saturdays and Sundays.
A letter to council planners on behalf of the applicant confirms the intended tenant and reveals the benefits of such an enterprise.
It describes Air-tastic as an “award-winning local business which boasts a strong presence and proven track record for inward investment throughout the Province”.
The proposal will also require changes to the external elevations of the entire building with revised shopfronts.
The correspondence adds: “Already hugely popular nationally, the innovative indoor trampoline park proposed aims at providing an accessible, fun and healthy recreational activity that can benefit all ages.”
The proposals are due to be publicly advertised before the end of the month before being considered in-depth by council, with a decision expected later in the year.
