IRISH indoor entertainment company Airtastic has announced a £3 million expansion in the north creating up to 80 jobs.
The Co Down company opened its first indoor trampoline park in Bangor in December 2016. Centres in Cork, Belfast and Craigavon have followed, employing around 300 people.
Subject to planning approval, Airtastic says it will open a new 45,000 sq ft centre in the former Toys R Us unit in Newtownabbey in mid 2020. It will feature ten pin bowling, indoor mini golf and a ‘ninja park’ concept.
The former toy superstore closed last year after the company entered administration.
Airtastic is also planning to expand its presence at Marlborough Retail Park in Craigavon with a new 46,500 sq ft entertainment venture.
Based in the former B&Q superstore, the massive retail space has been redeveloped in recent years, with M&S and O’Neills opening new units. Airtastic’s latest offering, which will include its new ninja concept along with amusement arcades, is due to open in early 2020.
The Co Down company is also planning licensed restaurants at both locations.
The announcement follows the start of a €1.5m (£1.3m) upgrade of its Cork facility, which will create another 30 jobs.
Airtastic is owned by the SMS Platinum Group, which also owns the Captain Green’s Space Adventure Golf and the Funky Monkeys Soft Play Centre brands. Based out of Raithfrailand, the group is headed by Alison Simpson, Mark Simpson and Henry Moore.
Sharyn Ingrey, area manager for Airtastic Entertainment Centre said ten pin bowling is a new venture for the company.
“Our new centres in Newtownabbey and Craigavon will be a one stop shop for entertainment where our customers can bounce, ninja, play ten pin bowling, space adventure golf, play to win tickets in our amusement arcades and exchange them for prizes and enjoy our restaurant NY Kitchen and all in one location.
“Combined with our other four centres, Airtastic is now the largest leisure operator in Ireland providing the best entertainment to wide range of people.”
