The rest of Wigan's former Debenham's store is to be turned into a huge indoor adventure park
Another major step in the rebirth of Wigan town centre has been taken with news of what will occupy the remaining half of the giant former Debenham’s department store.
The deal has now been signed between the Grand Arcade and Funparx, the UK's largest all-age indoor adventure park brand.
Over the coming months 40,000ft sq of erstwhile retail space will be transformed into a “multi-level soft play adventure zone” including large inflatable arena with assault courses; interactive battle go-karts; virtual reality experiences; Ninja challenge zones; climbing walls; interactive bowling, darts and pool tables; state-of-the-art arcade gaming zones; and Warrior Bots: a UK first, allowing guests to climb aboard real-life transformer-style robots and battle against other players.
It is set to open later in the year, perhaps around the same time as the entertainment and hospitality hub Stack, which is beginning to occupy the Millgate side of the unit.
And it comes only days after the opening of the children’s science and discovery centre Imagine That! in the former Marks and Spencer premises.
Grand Arcade manager Mike Matthews said: “Funparx’s arrival is going to be fantastic for the shopping centre: another leisure offer to complement Stack and Imagine That!
"It will improve footfall and customer experience and make the couple of remaining vacant units we have more desirable to businesses.
"Imagine That! is already having a positive impact, with 2,500 people crossing its threshhold in the first weekend and putting our footfall up by eight per cent.”
Funparx is what used to be called Ninja Warrior and there is already one rebranded and upgraded facility in Wigan on Stadium Way.
Adrian Griffin for Funparx said: "Securing out 10th location in the UK and US is a huge milestone for us, and we're delighted to continue investing in Wigan with our second venue in the town.
"We've created an adventure destination that truly has something for everyone — from toddlers taking their first steps into play, to adults who want to unleash their inner child.
"We can't wait to welcome the community and visitors from across the region to experience everything Funparx has to offer.”