Parents devastated as much-loved children’s play centre in Wombourne closes doors

Parents have expressed their heartbreak and dismay after much-loved children's play centre Playtropolis announced its closure.

Owner Beckie shared the emotional announcement on social media, explaining that the decision had been one of the hardest she had ever faced, despite putting everything she had into making the business a success.

In a heartfelt statement, Beckie revealed that every penny of her savings, alongside money she had borrowed, had gone into creating Playtropolis. However, challenging trading conditions, a slow start to the spring and summer seasons and rising operating costs had made it financially impossible to continue.

She also highlighted the impact of soaring electricity costs, revealing that increased standing charges next year would exceed £2,000 per month before the business had even switched on a light.

Her full statement read: “So sad to let you all know that I’ve made the decision to close Playtropolis on the 31st October.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.

“Every penny I had saved and every penny I borrowed, went into making Playtropolis what it was.

“Unfortunately, financially we just can’t continue.

After such a slow beginning to spring and summer, we’ve spent the last months trying to catch up and news of more increases to our electricity standing charges next year which will be over £2k a month before we’ve switched a light on, it’s not possible for us to continue.

“I’m so sorry to all of our regulars. We love you all, and I’m so grateful for every single family who has walked through our doors over the years. You’ve made Playtropolis what it is.

“We ended on a high and that’s exactly how I’d like to remember it.

“My biggest priority has always been looking after my staff and making sure they’re paid.

“If we continue, I can’t guarantee that and I would never want to put them in that position.

“Anyone with a party booked has been refunded and contacted and I’m so sorry.

“Thank you for every memory, every visit, every birthday party, every little face and every bit of support you’ve shown us. Playtropolis will always have a very special place in my heart.

“It wouldn’t be right to just disappear without an explanation after all of your support.

“Big loves, Beckie 🩷🩷.”

The announcement has prompted an outpouring of emotional messages from parents, former customers and staff, many sharing treasured memories of birthday parties, family visits and happy childhood moments spent at the venue.

One parent wrote: "Gutted – my daughter loves it here! Wishing you the best for the future."

Another said: "This is so sad, have so many memories taking my son here."

Others praised Beckie for everything she had created, with one supporter commenting that she had built "a space that every kid loved".

Former members of staff also paid tribute, with one describing it as a pleasure to have been part of the team and wishing Beckie the very best for the future.

Despite the heartbreak, Beckie explained that she wanted Playtropolis to finish on a positive note, rather than risk the financial security of her employees.

She said her biggest priority had always been looking after her staff and ensuring they were paid, adding that she could not continue if she could no longer guarantee that.

All customers with future birthday party bookings have been contacted and refunded.

On Google, Playtropolis has now been marked up as ‘permanently closed’.