Plans for children’s soft play area on town retail park approved

Plans to convert an empty shop into a soft play centre for children have been given the go ahead.

The plans for the development on Central Retail Park were approved by the head of environment and planning at Wrexham Council via a delegated decision.

In March 2019 Wrexham.com reported that an application had been lodged to turn Unit 2 on Central Retail Park into ‘Banana Bens’.

Previously the store was home to Dreams furniture, however the space has sat vacant since the retailers closure just before Christmas last year.

As part of the plans submitted to Wrexham Council permission was being sought for a flexible use for the building to allow for the soft play centre to created.

This includes the ground floor of the building being used for separate soft play areas for 0-six months, six months – three years and three years and over.

Three party rooms would also be created, along with a sensory area / disco room – along with a cafe and seating area.

It was also noted within the application’s planning application state that five full time and five part time jobs and that the building would operate between 9am and 7pm Monday-Sunday.

In a letter accompanying the plans, the applicants state: “The proposed change of use is required to enable Banana Ben’s to take occupation of the vacant Unit 2.

“This follows difficulties securing retail tenants at the retail park, as evidenced by the high level of floor space that are currently unoccupied across retail floorspace within Wrexham town centre.

“Banana Ben’s will offer a high quality children’s soft play facility in Wrexham town centre location.

“This will add to the diversity of experiences available within Wrexham and attract greater footfall.”

It adds: “In impact terms we note that the proposal will deliver the beneficial re-use of a vacant unit, thereby generating additional visits, supporting the trade of other town centre uses and encouraging further investment.

“It will also help to diversity the existing mix of uses within the town centre and support its overall viability.

“Overall the proposals will clearly have a positive impact on the vitality, attractiveness and viability of Wrexham town centre.”

Its approval means that Central Retail Park will return to full occupancy.