Fast-expanding FEC operator, DP Leisure (DPL), has been celebrating the opening of its fifth 360 Play centre.
The UK-based company’s latest venue is located in Redditch, Worcestershire.
The facility’s offering clearly appeals to all ages, although the target is toddlers to 12 year olds.
Attractions include a central, two-storey play structure, bumper cars and a carousel. Of course, no centre would be complete without the 360 Street creative play zone. Consisting of individual play units such as a supermarket, pizza parlour and fire station, the zone is designed by the DPL team. 360 Street aims to stimulate the creativity in young minds. It also gives parents a chance to join in the fun with their children.
Other facilities at the centre include a party zone, toddler zone, messy play area, café and various seating areas.
DPL’s sister company, DP Associates (DPA), designed and master planned the project. The company also project-managed the build. The Redditch FEC is the first 360 Play venue to be sited in a shopping centre.
“It’s something totally new for us,” commented DPL’s Managing Director, Duncan Phillips. “The retail experience today is changing in many ways. We see it as a great opportunity for ourselves and the shopping centre owner Capital and Regional to create a new experience for visitors.”
In addition, Phillips said the centre would turn the mall into ‘a genuine retail and leisure destination’.
Early feedback seems to support this. Kingfisher Shopping Centre’s General Manager, Ken Williams, confirmed that customers are travelling further and staying longer.
“In a dynamic on-line world it is fantastic to see this type of business getting back to basics with adults participating with their children in a traditional play world,” he added.
Main Photo: Redditch Mayor Councillor Joe Baker, Kingfisher Shopping Centre General Manager Ken Williams and 360 Play Managing Director Duncan Phillips try out the new centre’s bumper cars. All photos credit: Alan Wilkinson Media
