Escape room plans for unit in Darlaston
An industrial unit in Darlaston could be turned into an escape room if plans are given the go-ahead.
Carys Chamberlain wants to convert a disused section of a unit at Darlaston Central Trading Estate, in Salisbury Street, into an area where people can take part in the activity.
Escape rooms have grown in popularity over the past few years and involve a team of players spending up to an hour finding clues, solving puzzles in a bid to get out of the scenario they have found themselves trapped in.
In her application, Ms Chamberlain said the unit is already being rented by her partner and the currently empty part is separate with its own access.
If Walsall Council approve the plans, a total of five jobs will be created by the new venture.
She said: “We would like to open and run an escape room from here. We have already begun making general improvements and implementing safety measures to conform to national guidelines.
“The business will operate through a website booking system. Customers will see available slots they can book.
“Once booked, they will arrive and be on the premises no longer than 1.5 hours.
“During their visit, they will have a small safety/rules briefing prior to entering the game area, solve riddles, clues and work as a group to complete the entire game within their booked hour time frame – some may not take as long as an hour.
“There are no special adaptations needed or machinery required.
“We are hoping to open one game initially, with the potential to open two in total, with one game running at any one time, which will be alternated in use.
“There is also a room which will be used to host customers who are having birthday parties/work team building events.
“There will be slots available for this room to allow ‘membership’ customers, to come here during the evening and weekends to socialise regularly, in a safe place where they can play games, such as Warhammer, strategy games, tabletop role playing and board games, Settlers of Catan games and much more.
“There is a big following of people who enjoy this types of social activities and venues to host these are activities are always welcome as they are seeing huge growth in group numbers and not able to accommodate the demand.”
She added the planned opening hours would be 10am to 10pm for weekends and Bank Holidays and 4pm to 10pm Monday to Fridays.
