New bowling alley in Wolverhampton city centre will create 30 jobs
A national bowling alley chain is to open at a prominent empty shop unit in Wolverhampton, creating 30 jobs.
Superbowl UK, which operates 13 bowling alleys across the UK, has agreed to take on a 17,000 sq ft unit forming part of the Mander Centre in Victoria Street.
The site is opposite the former Beatties department store. The news comes hot on the heels of plans for a £70 million redevelopment of the Beatties building, revealed in the Express & Star yesterday.
The company said the controversial pedestrianisation of Victoria Street had been crucial in persuading it to open in the city.
The unit, beneath Matalan, has been empty for about 10 years.
Superbowl UK said the attraction would include 12 bowling lanes, as well as a soft play area, interactive darts, as well as a bar and diner and a computer arcade.
As part of the deal, Mander Centre owner Catella APAM has agreed to carry out £500,000 worth of works to the unit prior to the Superbowl taking over the site.
Harry Wilce, asset manager at Catella APAM, said: “Securing Superbowl UK as a tenant represents a significant achievement in our strategic vision for the Mander Centre and the city of Wolverhampton.
"This development will not only enhance the leisure offerings in the city centre but also serve as a catalyst for further investment in the area."
City Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, said: "This commitment shows great confidence in our city centre, which is seeing a huge amount of investment.
"Superbowl UK’s exciting plans to bring this empty retail space back to life further delivers on our vision for City Centre West and shows how high streets are changing and adapting.
"This investment provides a major boost to the city centre’s leisure offer for residents and visitors, creates jobs for local people, increases footfall to support current and emerging businesses, and complements plans coming forward for major regeneration around the Market Square area."
Kate Quaintance, acquisitions director for Superbowl UK, said the centre would be the company's 15th branch in the UK, with a centre in Aldershot also planned.
"Our new venue will offer 30 job opportunities from managerial positions to guest experience hosts," she said.
"Superbowl UK Wolverhampton will bring the company's distinctive brand of family entertainment and competitive socialising to Wolverhampton and will join our other 14 venues across England and Wales.
"We can’t wait to get started and welcoming Wolverhampton to our exciting brand portfolio."
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