A brand-new family attraction has opened in Middlesbrough town centre with perfect timing for the summer holidays.
The Fun Shack group has brought a state-of-the-art soft play centre and inflatable theme park to Captain Cook Square.
The major North East-based leisure operator has invested £2.5m in the town and created up to 80 jobs, with the new site opening today (Tuesday July 23).
The top floor of the former Wilko has been transformed into a signature Fun Shack indoor play centre, the company’s first in a town or city centre, featuring an electronic football pitch, trampolines, a cannonball arena and an extensive toddler area.
The ground floor is home to InflateSpace, a giant indoor inflatable theme park which includes slides, assault courses, wipeout challenges, bungee ropes and a competitive sports zone.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “We’ve been excited to see Fun Shack and InflateSpace open its doors and I know that families in Middlesbrough and all over Teesside will love it.
“It’s also pleasing to have filled the former Wilko building so quickly after the company pulled out of town and city centres across the country.
“Captain Cook Square is developing into a top leisure destination and this new attraction will attract thousands of people into the town centre to support our shops, businesses and hospitality sector.”
Cllr Theo Furness, Executive Member for Regeneration at Middlesbrough Council, said: “Captain Cook Square is on the up - the Fun Shack group have made a significant investment into Middlesbrough town centre and will be a real asset.
“I’ve got young children and I can’t wait to visit - it will be fantastic to have such an amazing facility on hand as the summer holidays begin.”
Fun Shack Group Director Craig Freeman “Middlesbrough is our first ever town centre location and features the first inflatable park in Teesside.
“We’re delighted to be open and excited to welcome families along to experience the unique, brand-new activities we have on offer.”
It’s the latest exciting new business to open at Captain Cook Square, joining family entertainment centre Level X and American burger restaurant Wendy’s.
High-end restaurant Bazaar, with its stunning interior and boasting the world’s largest pizza oven, will open in the coming weeks, to be joined by more leisure and food businesses in the future.
Middlesbrough Council bought Captain Cook Square in 2020 and successfully bid for government funding to help transform parts of it from a shopping centre into a leisure hub.
The redevelopment of Captain Cook Square supports one of the Council's four priorities to make Middlesbrough a successful and ambitious town.