Funlab to open major complex
Calling all ‘‘motherfunners’’ – new staff are wanted for a major new entertainment complex and bar that will revamp an ailing central Christchurch venue.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq and Holey Moley – two brands which are part of the American-owned Funlab group – are to open beneath the Hoyts cinemas in the EntX building in Colombo St in early October.
Funlab is already advertising for staff – which it calls ‘‘motherfunners’’ – to run the complex.
The interior is yet to be fitted out but, according to consent details lodged with Christchurch City Council, it will have a central bar and eating area, a bowling alley of about 12 lanes and a minigolf course.
A food court in the building housing a number of small businesses closed earlier this year, with only two eat-in restaurants remaining at the northern end.
Based in Melbourne, Funlab is now owned by San Franciscobased asset management company TPG Capital. It expressed an interest in expanding its New Zealand business soon after arriving in Auckland in 2018.
Other Funlab brands offer interactive rooms, escape rooms, digital darts and trampolines, and the group has outlets across Australia and Singapore, with about 1200 staff. The new complex is expected to be a smaller version of the group’s Auckland operation.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq at the Westfield mall in Auckland’s Newmarket is circusthemed, with a bowling alley, bumper cars, laser tag, and arcade and virtual reality games. It opened in 2019 claiming to be the city’s ‘‘most Instagrammable bar’’.
The two-storey Holey Moley, at the Viaduct on the Auckland waterfront, has an indoor golf course and karaoke. Both have brightly coloured and illuminated interiors, cocktail bars and sell meals and snacks.
A liquor licence has been granted for the Christchurch premises. Funlab is advertising for senior staff, including a venue manager, facilities technician and kitchen manager.
Meanwhile, another licensed indoor entertainment complex, Game Over, has opened in Blenheim Rd in Christchurch with a go-karting track and arcade machines.
Overseas, licensed active entertainment venues aimed at young adults have proven popular for get-togethers such as stag and hen parties, birthdays and Tinder dates.