Northern Ireland's 'War of the Worlds' Laser Tag and Entertainment Ambitions

In Northern Ireland, indoor entertainment venues are expanding, with an Airtastic laser tag arena opening in Newtown Abbey and a family entertainment center planned for the Dunluce Centre in Portrush. Former Debenhams stores are being repurposed, with one in Wrexham becoming a trampoline park and another in Birmingham housing an interactive football experience. Scotland continues to debate the Flamingo Land resort project at Loch Lomond, while a family park in East Lothian faces objections to its proposed relocation. Additionally, Wales is set to gain an aerial attraction with the Skyline Swansea project featuring a zipline and gondola.

Northern Ireland Unveils Indoor Laser Tag Arena and Plans for Entertainment Complex

A new indoor laser tag arena in Northern Ireland is poised to open its doors in Newtown Abbey under the Airtastic brand. The arena will be adorned with a captivating "War of the Worlds" theme, spanning the upper floor of the venue alongside three party rooms. Airtastic's latest addition, located in Mill Road, will complement the existing bowling, soft play, arcade, and diner facilities at the location, emulating the successful launch of a similar Airtastic venue in Lisburn.

In another significant development, the Dunluce Centre at Portrush has been acquired for £1.25 million. The former tourist attraction, which ceased operations in 2013 due to declining visitor numbers, has been purchased by local businessman Colm O'Donnell. He envisions transforming the site into a vibrant family entertainment center, complete with rides, an arcade, soft play facilities, mini-golf, and food and beverage offerings.

Wrexham's Former Debenhams Set for Trampolife Park Conversion

The former Debenhams department store in Wrexham, which has stood vacant for three years, is poised for a new lease of life as a trampoline park. The store, situated in the Eagles Meadow shopping center, is the subject of an application submitted by the center's owners. They have been engaged in discussions with a company that plans to utilize the first floor of the building for the park.

Approval of the plans would necessitate the construction of a new entrance on the first floor balcony of the complex. The introduction of additional entertainment options within the mall aims to revitalize the location, particularly in light of Marks & Spencer's relocation to a new city-edge site last year. Recent reports indicate a 40 percent decline in footfall in Wrexham's city center.

Birmingham's Former Debenhams Transformed into Interactive Football Experience

In Birmingham, the former Debenhams store has been repurposed into a hub for football-based entertainment. TOCA Social, the operator responsible for the transformation, has installed 23 interactive football boxes and four bars across two floors. This novel concept offers a competitive and social gaming experience centered around football, with each box accommodating up to 12 players. Guests can engage in a range of activities, including football matches, foosball, arcade games, and interactive photo booths.

Scottish Flamingo Land Project Rekindles Controversy

In Scotland, the proposed Flamingo Land resort development at Loch Lomond has reignited controversy. The longstanding dispute between local protesters and the developers has drawn the attention of planners, who have now endorsed the consortium's bid to invest £40 million into the 46-acre site. The resort envisions a hotel, lodges, water park, car parking, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Move for East Lothian Family Park Stalls

Another Scottish leisure development, the proposed relocation of the East Links Family Park at Dunbar to East Fortune, has drawn objections from local campaigners. They argue that local council projections on the viability of the scheme are flawed. Grant Bell, the operating company, is behind the application.

Skyline Swansea Plans for Aerial Attractions

In Wales, an ambitious aerial attraction is in the planning stages. The Skyline Swansea project, if approved, would feature a zipline and gondola at Kilvey Hill, near Swansea. The development aims to create a unique and thrilling experience for visitors to the region.