Unanimous approval for activity centre at old Toys R Us site

A new family activity centre in Dundee has been given the green light.

Plans to transfer the former Toys R Us at the Kingsway West retail park into a multi-purpose play centre were unanimously approved by Dundee City Council’s planning committee last night.

The activity park will include 10-pin bowling, trampolining, soft play, indoor golf, a climbing wall and high ropes course, bumper cars and a sky rider coaster, along with a café and dining area.

Doncaster-based developer House of Play has said it will invest £800,000 into the site, which has been empty since the toy giant went into administration in 2018, and create up to 40 full-time jobs.

The facility will be run by Chris Airlie, who had previously harboured plans to create an indoor play area within the former Dens Road Market.

A report by city planning officials recommended the committee approved the House of Play plans.

The report said: “The proposal would bring back into use a large, highly visible, vacant unit within an established retail park and create a complementary use for the wider site.

“The proposed use is in a location and of a scale which would not significantly alter the existing pattern of footfall in the area. It would not therefore individually or cumulatively prejudice the vitality or viability of the city centre.”

One letter of objection was received raising concerns over business competition, but it was ruled invalid.

In the planning application the developer hailed the proposals as “unique”.

House of Play stated: “The uses would not compete with existing facilities, but simply complement the range and choice of activities available to residents and visitors.

“The proposals would provide a viable and sustainable use for a long-term vacant unit at Kingsway West Retail Park, helping to secure an attractive and vital occupier which in turn will liven the retail park. These proposals will ensure the park continues to adapt to the existing market and economic climate.”