It’s all hands on deck as carpets are ripped up, floors are painted and a deep clean carried out to transform the former Kids Mayhem site on Margate seafront into Widget’s World soft play centre.
The site has been taken over by Clare and Richard Winters who are also the bosses of Widget’s Toys in Margate High Street.
The Marine Terrace property has been empty since November but Clare and Richard received the keys last Friday (March 22) and they, their four children, family and friends are pitching in to get the business open for this Friday (March 29).
Clare, 39, said: “We are working hard, ripping up carpets and everything, painting, deep cleaning, with just a week to turn it around.
“We have got a team of helpers, close friends and family are all mucking in and we could not do it without them.”
The Margate couple have run Widget’s Toys since 2017 after a successful trial run in a smaller premises. That went so well they decided to close their pet supplies shop – which Richard had bought from Clare’s parents before they got together- and instead created the toy popular toy haven.
Clare said: “Richard bought the pet shop from my parents. Years down the line we got together and I got the pet shop back! But then the world changed, people were getting pet food from supermarkets and online and so (the shop) was dwindling.
“We opened a small toy shop opposite Poundland on a six month tenancy and then we needed a bigger shop so closed the pet shop and moved into there.”
And now the business has expanded to provide the adventure and soft play centre.
Clare said: “It is something I have wanted to do for a while and now it has finally come about. It’s very exciting.
“We have got a lot of new ideas. I want to open up a sensory area for SEN children, I have two SEN children myself. It can be overwhelming for them so a sensory area that is quiet means they can have their time as well.
“I want to have family tickets as it is all very family focused. I want it to be affordable for families. Having four children myself I know it can cost and arm and a leg just to get in to places.”
Other plans for Widget’s World include parties, discos, toddler sessions and more.
The centre will initially be run by Richard, Clare, her sister and close friend Kirsty – with the couple’s children, aged five, eight, 10 and 11, all having their own jobs too.
Prices will be £4.50 entry or £6.50 play and eat but a special £1 entry offer will be in place for the Easter weekend opening Friday, Saturday and Sunday (March 29-31).
Widget’s World will be open Monday to Saturday 9:30am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm
Find it at 18-21 Marine Terrace Margate and on facebook here
