New look, obstacles, menu and bar for ninja adventure centre in £650k revamp
WANNABE ninjas are flipping out for the new look of a city attraction which has reopened following a £650,000 refurbishment.
Ninja Warrior UK Stoke, in Sun Street, Hanley, has a new inflatable air park, ninja obstacle courses and a revamped reception, changing rooms, party rooms and briefing room.
The adventure park closed on September 5 for the two-month revamp.
But it is up-and-running once more, with a warm welcome for families, parties and special events seven days a week.
Operations manager Hector Oladipo says he is excited to welcome ninjas back. The 24-year-old said: “Everything has changed, we have undergone a huge refurb and added an inflatable air park.
“The air park has a battle tower, obstacle course, play area and foam pits. It’s great for younger children, but I’m 24 and I’ll jump on the inflatable and have a laugh. A lot of students love it on there.
“When my girlfriend has been, the ninja course is a bit too tough for her, but we get on the inflatable and have a laugh. It’s good for everyone.”
Hector said all the ninja courses have been updated. And so has the menu, with burgers, chips, sandwiches and paninis on offer, along with a licensed bar to sell alcohol after sessions. “It’s amazing,” said Hector. “It’s something that you can do as a family together now. Lots of parents join in with their kids. Whereas normal soft plays don’t cater for adults, here there is something for everyone.
“It’s also more inviting now, before it was a bit dark inside, but we’ve had all new lighting and all of the décor has been updated. We’re so happy to be back again.” Ninja Warrior Retro Deano was at the opening of the refurbished site yesterday.
Deano, whose real name is Dean Cheetham, competed on series four and five of ITV’S Ninja Warrior UK reaching the final both times.
He said: “It looks fantastic. I love the look and feel of the place. The blue and red colours make it feel like you are on the Ninja Warrior TV set.
“I like the inflatables. I like bringing my kids to Ninja Warrior, it’s great for me as a ninja and for families.
“This is also a great place for people looking to get into Ninja Warrior. It’s a good starting point for training to become a ninja.”
The attraction – which used to be known as Truninja – opened in the former Newey & Eyre unit in May 2018. It changed its name to Ninja Warrior UK Stoke after it was endorsed by the ITV show.
Ninja Warrior UK Stoke is open Monday to Thursday from midday to 8pm, Friday midday to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 9pm. The attraction advises booking online. A one-hour session costs £11, or £16.50 for two hours. On-the-door prices are £1 dearer.