Trendy bowling alley firm Lane7 has spoken about its plans to reopen a derelict alley in North Shields.
Lane7 opened its first venue in Newcastle’s St James Boulevard six years ago and has since opened a raft of similar ventures around the UK, including alleys in Middlesbrough and a forthcoming opening in Durham.
Now the North East business is to launch its second Tyneside venue in North Shields, after snapping up the former Star Bowl base in Royal Quays.
Star Bowl shut its doors to the public suddenly in February when its parent firm MFA Bowl fell into administration.
But Lane7 bosses said the chance to breathe new life into Star Bowl was too good an opportunity to miss.
Rachel Lee, operations director, said: “Having launched our first bowling concept in Newcastle, this is an area we know really well. We’ve watched the popularity of Tynemouth and North Shields explode in recent years.
“With that has come a fantastically diverse leisure offering. This is a thriving area that’s crying out for more quality family-friendly attractions to complement what’s already on offer.
“We’re really excited to be bringing a new look Star Bowl to families in North Tyneside and further afield. They can expect all the usual unique finishes from one of our venues…and a few new surprises too.”
Other locations in Newcastle, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Middlesbrough and Birmingham have featured games like mini-golf, darts, private karaoke booths and shuffle boards. Many have featured contemporary food offerings and extensive craft beer, spirits and cocktail bars for a late-night city centre crowd.
As well as its unique bowling lanes, visitors to the huge site can expect to find a few extra surprises, which the firm will soon reveal.
Its bases in Newcastle, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Middlesbrough and Birmingham have featured other games including mini-golf, darts, private karaoke booths and shuffle boards. Posh burgers, craft beer, spirits and cocktails have also brought in late-night crowds.
It’s hoped the venue will reopen before the end of this year, or early in 2020, creating 25 full and part time roles.
The firm’s growth strategy also continues with plans to add another four sites in the UK in the next 18 months.
