Reporter James Bonthron visits the latest Jump Inc venue at Westwood Cross
A VIP night to celebrate the opening of Thanet’s newest play palace was held last Friday (August 23) with invited guests including mayors, councillors and sports teams such as Broadstairs Town FC, Thanet Wanderers, and Vista Twisters.
Featuring interconnected trampolines, laser tag, drop slides, an interactive footy cage and a ninja park, the new venue, which opened its doors this month, offers something for everyone and has capacity for up to 200 people.
The new branch is just one of the venues of Jump Inc, with others in Leeds, Sheffield, Bicester, Rotherham, Lincoln and Liverpool.
The venue, using part of the old Debenhams building, is huge: 35000sq ft of endless entertainment. Visitors can see the café above the Hollywood Bowls centre, but the actual entrance is a very short distance to the right of it.
The bouncer checked my VIP ticket around 7pm and then I was guided up the stairs to the reception area. On entering, I finally caught a glimpse of the scale of it. From the outside it seems fairly modest, but it’s certainly spacious upon entering.
Just beyond the reception area is the café. To the right is the start of the soft play area. Parents have a choice: either circle round the play area (where laser tag can be accessed, as can the provided toilets) or bite the bullet, put on the customary socks and join their children in the fun.
Opening night was packed, which is a great sign. It was a healthy mix of adults, children and a few more notable individuals, such as the Pilgrims Hospices having a stand. There was a great atmosphere and the music really helped to enhance the vibe.
The staff were busy attending to people and one helpful staff member assisted me when I was queueing to get my ticket checked.
I noticed a couple of school groups taking photos in front of the play area and generally there were a lot of children using the facilities.
Many adult participants were in the cafe area, which offered the kind of snacks you’d want (especially after some intense jumping around) at reasonable prices. I settled for a lemon and lime Sunkist (not the most exciting drink, but I figured if the tap was working, the rest of the beverages would be pretty good, too).
Perhaps the star was the selection of slushies, and the Ben and Jerry’s on sale didn’t hurt either.
Lee Shipley, managing director of Jump Inc, said: “We are thrilled to be making this next move and extending the brand by bringing something new to the town.
“The Westwood Cross site is different to anything you’ve ever seen before, Jump Inc will be the next generation of indoor entertainment and this new concept ties in with our company strategy of innovation and leading from the front.
“This is a multi-person playground for adults, teenagers and children alike and our exciting new activities will accommodate families, corporate events, hen parties and toddler sessions.”
Westwood Cross centre manager Francesca Donovan added: “We are so excited to be bringing a unique family entertainment leisure space to our centre, giving shoppers the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable moments.
“With the centre ever-evolving, locals and visitors can rest assured that Westwood Cross will always offer the most community-centric retail and leisure space that will keep people coming back for more.”
The Westwood Cross location also features dedicated party rooms for up to 20 people.
Jump Inc is offering 30 per cent off the standard price until the end of August. The venue is open 9am to 8pm every day.
Book here > https://buff.ly/4cyo9Xx
For more information about Jump Inc Westwood Cross visit https://www.jump-inc.uk/locations/westwood-cross/
