Gambado will shut next month due to rise in service charges

Parents and their children have been left devastated after popular soft play centre Gambado announced it is closing next month.

Owners of the centre in soar at Intu Braehead, Renfrew have blamed an increase in service charges from the landlord for the shock news.

The soft play centre was popular with parents and young children with many taking advantage of its popular annual pass.

There has been a strong reaction on Facebook with more than 450 comments on Gambado Glasgow’s own Facebook page.

One mum, Julie Campbell Fanning, posted: “My daughter had her party here and had a great time. Me and my pal bring our kids to Gambado all the time as we have season passes. I would just like to say that I’m really sorry to hear the centre is closing, I feel for all the staff as they have been really friendly and helpful over the years. I hope you all have luck in finding new jobs and wish you all the best for the future. Thanks.”

Another dad Paul Cairns, said: “Irony is Gambado is a major reason we and many other families go there and end up spending money in other shops. Everyone loses, kids especially who will be gutted.

“This is by far the best soft play in miles. We have had annual membership and have so many fond memories as kids have grown up there.”

The soft play centre is due to close on Monday, May 1, with a farewell party on Sunday, April 30, for pass holders.

The company, which is based in Surrey, is also closing its Edinburgh centre on April 23, blaming a lease termination by the landlord.

On Facebook, mum Elaine McIntyre said: “So in other words, Gambado is closing in Scotland then. Such a shame, one of the few places I felt comfortable taking our twins. Surprised that the high entry prices didn’t cover lease costs for the sites.”

The soft play has a special area set aside for children aged three and under as well as large areas for older children including a basketball court, climbing wall, carousel, go-karts as well as the usual ball pits, slides and climbing frames. There is also a cafe and role play area.

The company said any children’s parties booked after May 2 will be refunded and attempts will be made to reschedule at another soft play in the area.

Prices ranges from £ 8.95 for kids aged eight to 12 at peak weekend and school holidays to free entry for under ones.

General Manager for intu Braehead Gary Turnbull said: “We’re sorry that Gambado in Soar at intu Braehead is closing its doors and we wish all its staff well.

“We have been in negotiations with Gambado for several months which have led to them mutually agreeing to end their lease.

“It’s our priority to give families the best possible leisure and shopping experience. Our recent investment in Soar at intu Braehead will see major improvements to the customer experience including mall refurbishments and a number of new family attractions, which we hope to be in a position to announce soon.”

The email sent to parents from Gambado Glasgow stated: “We are letting you know that Gambado Glasgow will be closing on Monday 1st May 2017.

“Sadly this is something that is out of our control. Our closure is due to increased property costs ( service charge) forced upon us by our landlord at Gambado Glasgow. This has meant that the business is no longer sustainable. It has therefore been agreed that we will close Gambado Glasgow on Monday 1st May, 2017 and hand back our unit to the landlord by 14/5/17.

“We have loved serving the families of Glasgow and we will miss you.”

Despite repeated attempts, noone from Gambado was available for comment as the Paisley Daily Express went to press.