Hollywood Bowl Group is opening a second location in Northern Ireland as part of a £9m redevelopment of Co Down shopping development The Boulevard.
Landlord Lotus Property submitted a notice for full planning permission for a 23,000 sq ft 21-lane bowling alley this week.
It will kick off a bid to transform the western part of the discount retail park outside Banbridge into a 60,000 sq ft ‘food and entertainment quarter,’ Lotus Property said.
Hollywood Bowl is planning to open at The Boulevard, Co Down
Hollywood Bowl is expected to open alongside Omniplex Cinema late next year.
Lotus Property said it expects to get planning permission early next year, with work on the site starting in the summer.
Hollywood Bowl already operates 72 sites across the UK, open at the Odyssey in Belfast in 2022.
Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property said: “Welcoming Hollywood Bowl to The Boulevard is an exciting moment in the scheme’s history as it triggers a multi-million pound redevelopment to create a ‘food and entertainment quarter’.
“The Boulevard is already a successful destination for families and the arrival of Hollywood Bowl and the tranche of new food and beverage tenants that we expect to follow will support its transition into a compelling day-to-night option for customers.”
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The Boulevard said it had just marked its best trading performance since opening, with sales in 2023 up 8% on the year before.
Laurence Keen, chief finance officer, Hollywood Bowl Group said: “We’re excited to announce our intention to open a 21-lane bowling alley and family entertainment centre at The Boulevard – our second location in Northern Ireland following our launch here two years ago in Belfast
“The brand performs extremely well across the UK offering an affordable contemporary entertainment experience for families, and friends to come together for fun games, enjoy food and drink and really make a day of it.
“We are encouraged by The Boulevard’s strong performance and are looking forward to joining the solid roster of tenant brands on site, welcoming customers keen to make the most of the scheme’s retail and leisure mix.”
News Catch Up: Tuesday 30th July 2024