Play centre may create 30 jobs

A POPULAR play centre could be set up in Redditch creating up to 30 new full and part-time jobs.

Matt Jinks and Kevin Grubb opened Imagination Street in neighbouring Bromsgrove three years ago and are now looking to replicate its success by creating another one at Astwood Business Park.

The centre would be 17,000ft - twice the size of the Bromsgrove building - and boast features never before seen at a UK play centre.

Mr Jinks said letters sent out by Astwood Bank First School to parents had yielded some good feedback.

“We get a lot of people from Redditch coming to the Bromsgrove Imagination Street and they are always asking when the new one is going to open,” he said.

“But, it’s not just about being a play centre - it’s about being part of the community.”

The co-owners have already withdrawn one planning application to Redditch Borough Council due to issues raised about accessibility and concerns from residents.

But Mr Jinks said he was confident their second bid would win support.

“We have listened carefully to the concerns of the council and have systematically addressed each point in a constructive and innovative fashion.

“Imagination Street can become an integral part of family life in Redditch as it is in Bromsgrove and we hope we will have the opportunity to give the people of Redditch the chance to enjoy the Imagination Street experience.”

The pair have contacted bus company Rotala about the possibility of extending the number 70 route to take in the new play centre.

Ian Pollard, commercial manager for Rotala in the West Midlands, said: “If Imagination Street opens in the town, we wish it well and would be interested in extending our current network to provide connections by bus to the site in core hours of operating.

“If we were to extend a service in order to offer a public transport solution then it would be on a trial basis and the longer term future would depend on how many passengers made use of the link.”

Consultation on the plan is set to take place and the proposal can be viewed online at www.redditchbc.gov.uk by searching for application number 2012/148/COU.

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