The famous Hollywood Bowl – the UK’s largest 10-pin bowling operator – is hoping to open a major new entertainment and leisure venue in Banbridge.
The development, if given the go-ahead, will cost in the region of £9 million and will create some 50 jobs – 20 during construction and 30 when up and running.
It would be located next to the Omniplex Cinema at the Boulevard, with the McDonald’s drive-thru to the other side.
An application, which falls under the ‘major’ category of development, has been lodged with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration.
According to supporting documents accompanying the submission, Hollywood Bowl boasts 66 centres throughout the UK, including one in Belfast.
Designed to attract both families and adult groups, its centres offer a “vibrant and high-quality experience, featuring modern bowling lanes with electronic scoring, licensed bars, dining options, and cutting-edge amusement areas”.
To that end, the Banbridge development would focus on Units 1-3 at the Boulevard on Cascum Link.
It would see the change of use of an existing restaurant and retail, as well as extension and mezzanine level to accommodate the many elements of the plans.
The proposal is to “provide an entertainment facility to include a bowling alley with ancillary food and beverages uses and amusement arcades and all associated site works”.
The application would see the loss of 50 parking spaces at the popular retail complex to accommodate the bowling lanes, a reduction from 1,171, to 1,121.
And the new venue would offer a floorspace of over 23,000 sq ft when complete and bring a significant jobs boost to the area.
ABC Council officials, who will determine the application, had been told that Hollywood Bowl had considered a total of 19 potential locations in the Banbridge area for the new centre, with the Boulevard emerging as the prime base.
According to a design and access statement: “Hollywood Bowl will be a dedicated ‘One-Stop Shop’, designed to be a valuable entertainment facility at the Boulevard Banbridge, serving the current demand for entertainment and evening economy at the Boulevard.”
The new Hollywood Bowl would boast 21 reduced length bowling lanes, as well as an amusement arcade and reception area.
There would be a bar, dining and lounge area with 96 covers, pool tables, party tables with 24 covers, female and male toilets, and kitchen, as well as ancillary storage rooms.
The statement says the facility would be “in keeping” with the rest of the Boulevard and would include an extension of almost 12,000 ft of floorspace at ground floor level, and ancillary mezzanine level to provide ancillary offices and staff facilities comprising over 1,100 sq ft more.
The applicants point to support in the area for the plans.
During a pre-application consultation feedback from 14 respondents was “overwhelmingly positive”, with comments describing it as “fabulous for families” and an “exciting and welcome addition to The Boulevard” which will “bring more footfall” and “new jobs”.
Access to the new Hollywood Bowl will be via the existing Cascum Link one-way system around the Boulevard complex.
The applicant believes the centre will help boost the night-time economy in the area and further enhance the offering at the popular retail park.
The supporting statement points out: “The proposal comprises part of a wider enhancement strategy at
the Boulevard, to support the existing retail complex by expanding the selection of leisure facilities and strengthening the Boulevard as an evening destination catering to both the local and wider population.
“The proposal, whilst ancillary to the primary factory outlet retail function of the Boulevard, has been brought forward to enhance the overall shopper experience.
“The Boulevard – formerly The Outlet – has experienced high vacancy rates throughout its history and the applicant has worked hard to address this issue since acquiring the retail complex in 2016.
“This application introduces a new occupier, Hollywood Bowl, which goes towards helping to address the vacancy levels at the Boulevard, which helps with the centre’s vitality and vibrancy.”
Seeking approval as “the earliest opportunity”, the applicant’s submission adds: “The proposal represents a significant investment from the private sector, supporting the economy through the creation of jobs and securing an active use within existing vacant units.”
The proposals will now be advertised shortly with a decision expected in due course.
