BOUNCE BACK
Trampoline plan for nightclub
Night-time bouncers could be replaced with bouncers of an entirely different kind if a change to Maidstone’s Lockmeadow complex goes ahead.
Owner of the Barker Road centre, Land Securities, has applied to Maidstone council to turn Wonderland nightclub into a trampoline park.
The unlikely application, expected to be decided in the next few weeks, wants to change the use of the unit from a nightclub to a centre to provide leisure activities for children and families.
It is understood the club is due to close at the site in August and the company lined up to run the trampolining sessions is Gravity Fitness Limited.
The 2,129 sq m building has been used as a nightclub since the late 1990s and previous names included ikon and Liquid and Envy.
Another big name in Maidstone’s clubbing history at Lockmeadow also made way for leisure pursuits when Jumpin Jaks nightclub became Hollywood Bowl. The bowling alley opened in September 2013.
Lockmeadow Entertainment said: “The £1.8m project will be part of the relaunch and re- branding of the centre, ensuring Lockmeadow continues as Maidstone’s Number 1 leisure destination.”
The applicants believe the trampoline centre would diversify the activities and increase visitor numbers.
In the application to Maidstone council, Ross Brereton of agents Indigo Planning Limited said: “The proposal would introduce a use that does not operate outside of the opening hours of other facilities.
“It would remove the amenity issues associated with people arriving and leaving the club in the late evening and early morning.”
He added: “We consider the proposed change of use would result in a significant improvement from the existing nightclub in terms of character, environmental impact and amenity.”
They also say the new business would increase the number of jobs there from the 31 full and part time at Wonderland to 65.
Maidstone Town Centre Management change co-ordinator Ilsa Butler said: “It is obviously going to have something of an impact on the night economy as Wonderland is a large business. But it will be interesting to see how the centre develops with more of a family bent.”