A PROPOSED town centre soft play area has put the brakes on plans to open in October, with a rival facility expected to open in Barons Quay.

Kingdom of Play had been due to open in Witton Walk after losing out on a Barons Quay unit, but plans for a similar venture between H&M and the Odeon put a spanner in the works last month.

READ >>> Barons Quay soft play and café plans submitted

Now, the brother and sister team behind Kingdom of Play say there is too much risk to go ahead with opening this autumn – potentially putting years of research to waste.

Ian King said: “If they weren’t there, it would have been a no-brainer and we’d be open by October.

“We have put a lot of work in, and haven’t completely given up. We will wait and see what comes out at Barons Quay, and whether we can find a niche in between where we can both survive and bring Northwich what it needs.”

Ian has been in discussions with the landlord at the Witton Walk unit, and is adamant that a town centre location is best for accessibility and providing a sustainable family day out.

READ >>> Kingdom of Play bids to bring soft play to town centre

With other ideas in the pipeline, he is hopeful that Northwich will benefit from a town centre leisure activity.

He said: “I have got other ideas for the unit, and we might start looking to provide something for the older kids.

“It was supposed to be a community place – not one of those places to go once a month as a treat, but affordable light entertainment for everyone

“We also still want to open something for families and children with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

“This just means we can’t do exactly what we planned. You have to be adaptable and go with the flow.”

Northwich born and bred, the Kingdom of Play team has wished Barons Quay and the new venture well, and thanked families for their support over the years.

Northwich Guardian:

The change of use application at the two neighbouring Barons Quay units is yet to be approved.