Bowling alley on a roll as it plans new site
AROUND 25 new jobs could be created under plans to open Tyneside’s second Lane7 bowling alley.
Earlier this week, it emerged the boutique bowling firm is planning to open on the former Star Bowl site, in Royal Quays.
It currently has a branch in Newcastle city centre.
Now the firm has revealed the venue may open this year – and released an image of what customers can expect.
And one of the North East firm’s bosses said the opportunity to inject new life into the Star Bowl site, which closed suddenly earlier this year, was too appealing to turn down.
“Having launched our first bowling concept in Newcastle, this is an area we know really well,” said Rachel Lee, operations director for Lane7.
“We’ve watched the popularity of Tynemouth and North Shields explode in recent years.
“With that has come a fantastically offering.
“This is a thriving area that’s crying out for more quality family-friendly attractions to complement what’s already on offer.”
And she said there could be “a few surprises” should North Tyneside Council grant the firm a licence to open.
Operators say they’re aiming for a late 2019 to early 2020 opening of the site, which is expected to create 25 full and part-time roles.
Public plans show the firm wants to keep the venue diverse leisure open until 2am, while it would offer an “amusement arcade and gaming, licensed bar and restaurant facilities” alongside bowling.
And Lane7’s own growth strategy continues with plans to add another four sites in the UK in the next 18 months.
It’s on target to open a vast 22,000 sq ft bowling and container park-style entertainment operation in Leicester early in the New Year, with city centre site openings in Sheffield, Bristol and Cardiff also in the pipeline.