New Morecambe trampoline centre draws near after planners say '˜yes'

A new indoor trampolining park in Morecambe has moved a step closer.
How the outside of the new trampoline park in Morecambe might look.How the outside of the new trampoline park in Morecambe might look.
How the outside of the new trampoline park in Morecambe might look.

The new £2m centre on the Winter Gardens car park has passed an important planning stage ahead of a final decision on August 22.

Lancaster City Council planners have recommended the idea should get the green light.

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The planning committee, made up of city councillors, will now have the final say.

The car park behind the Winter Gardens, Morecambe where the new trampoline centre goes.The car park behind the Winter Gardens, Morecambe where the new trampoline centre goes.
The car park behind the Winter Gardens, Morecambe where the new trampoline centre goes.

The plans for the two-storey building have been put in by Solomon Reader from Jet Ltd, owner of nearby Pleasureland amusement arcade.

Speaking earlier this year, Mr Reader said: “We are thrilled to be planning this exciting family attraction for Morecambe town centre, which we hope will stimulate footfall and visiting families for the local area.

“We have been monitoring the growth of trampoline parks across the UK and taking learnings from what has been done successfully.

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“Our approach to a trampoline park for Morecambe will encompass all local and visiting families, of all ages and abilities.

The car park behind the Winter Gardens, Morecambe where the new trampoline centre goes.The car park behind the Winter Gardens, Morecambe where the new trampoline centre goes.
The car park behind the Winter Gardens, Morecambe where the new trampoline centre goes.

“We envisage fun family visitors and parties, fitness groups and corporate parties as the core audiences, and we are also considering those less mobile or with special needs and ensuring they will be able to enjoy the trampoline park too.”

“We estimate up to 20 jobs will be created from the development of the new trampoline park, covering roles from customer service to engineering to chefs.”

The new trampoline centre would be sited 11m from the back of the Winter Gardens theatre and 6.5m from the car park’s boundary with Northumberland Street.

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There would also be improved pedestrian links through the car park, seating, bike stands and a storage area.

An extension at the back of Pleasureland would also include a ramp for disabled access.

The new centre will cut the number of car parking spaces at the Winter Gardens car park, also owned by Jet Ltd, from 450 to 280.

In recommending that planning permission should be granted, a council report said: “The proposal will provide a covered leisure facility within a sustainable town centre location and should also improve pedestrian links through this area.”

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Five people have written to Lancaster City Council objecting to the scheme, giving reasons ranging from the scale of the building to the loss of car parking.

The Conservation Officer raised concerns saying the architectural design of the park “are not desirable and would not make a positive contribution to the setting of the syrrounding heritage assets”.

But there were no objections raised by the County Highways department or Environmental Health.

A council report said the plans had been altered since concerns were raised about the design, to include different cladding and a new glazed entrance.

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The planning committee meeting on August 22 starts at 10.30am at Lancaster Town Hall. It is open to the public.

Meanwhile a new £1m trampoline park has opened in Preston.

Flip Out, on Mercer Street, features more than 70 trampolines, a large free-running section, stepping stones, a balance beam, three foam pits and an airbag to jump and do tricks onto.