Former toy store on course to test ninja warriors
10 JOBS COULD BE CREATED IF SITE REOPENS
LEICESTER’S old Toy R Us store could be turned into a leisure complex based on the TV show Ninja Warrior.
The toy retailer closed its branch in St George’s Retail Park in March 2018 after the firm went bust with an unpaid VAT bill of £15 million.
The unit has been vacant since, but plans have now been drawn up to bring the site back into use.
Orijar Active has lodged plans with Leicester City Council that, if approved, would see the old store revamped and reopened, creating 10 jobs.
Documents sent to planners say: “The Ninja Warrior facility will be one of several facilities operating across the UK, with indoor adventure parks located in Stoke-on-Trent, Wigan, Gloucester, Cardiff and an aqua park in Windsor.
“The indoor obstacle courses are aimed at all ages and abilities, taking inspiration from ITV’s hit programme, Ninja Warrior UK.
“The business operates through bookings, including parties such as birthdays, groups and corporate events, as well as walk-in sessions.”
It adds: “These facilities should be accessible and fit for purpose, attracting participants from outside
Leicester, as well as building communities at the neighbourhood level.
“Facilities such as this bring community benefits through inspiration to get active more often, improving mental and physical wellbeing, especially among younger generations.”
Toys R Us employed 3,200 people across the UK before its demise but had struggled to compete with online retailers which do not have the some overheads.