HARD TIMES FOR SOFT PLAY
Boss issues dire warning about future of sector
An indoor soft play operator who runs a facility in East Kilbride has warned that the sector is“on the brink”.
David Capaldi, managing director of six Wonder World soft play areas across the UK – including the Glenburn Road premises – fears for the long-term viability of businesses like his.
And he fears for the thousands of jobs they support if facilities are not allowed to re-open.
Soft plays remain closed across the UK, with indoor playgrounds expected to remain closed until at least September 14 in Scotland.
And when they do reopen they must adhere to enhanced hygiene measures.
Mr Capaldi’s concerns are shared by Association of Play Industries (API).
He said: “The science consistently tells us that children are the least likely group to contract the virus.
“It’s therefore almost impossible to understand why facilities like ours cannot re-open to the public, especially when we would require all adults to wear face coverings.
“As a responsible business, we have already spent close to a six-figure sum making our facilities COVID safe.
“This includes the purchase of state of the art electrostatic sprays to enable quick and effective deep cleans, temperature camera provision, perspex fitted at reception and cafe areas fully tested and already in place, washable face masks for our 250 staff and the availability of free-standing sanitiser units at reception, at the cafe, positioned around the toilet areas, plus in the main areas and also at the cloakroom.”
Mr Capaldi also says that his company will move to a booking slot operation whereby after each two-hour session, the facility is fully closed for 45 minutes.
It will then be fully deep cleaned with electrostatic sprays, which automatically dry with air in 15 minutes, to ensure the facility is safe and clean for the next booking slot to enter.
The financial pressure on soft play centres is further aggravated by the fact that they are in large warehouses so unlike other businesses have not been eligible for much of the financial assistance because of the £50,000 rates threshold.
Mr Capaldi added: “Given that COVIDsecure plans are already in place across the sector, this appalling lack of clarity needs to be addressed because whilst our industry is a godsend for millions of parents, its future is being plunged into serious doubt for no good reason.
“I honestly fear that many facilities will be forced to permanently close their doors with the loss of tens of thousands of jobs, if clarity or practical financial assistance are not offered.”