‘We’re desperate to reopen’: Another Northampton soft play owner speaks out about effect of pandemic

Another soft play centre owner has spoken out about how the pandemic has affected his business.

Hullabaloo Play and Party centre in Gladstone Road, Dallington, as well as other local play centres, have been shut for more than four months.

Despite the best efforts from owners and staff to ensure confidence by implementing numerous safety measures, soft play bosses have watched on as many other businesses have been told they can reopen.

Hullabaloo, which has a laser zone as well as a soft play area, is looking into plans to reopen part of the business, but has still not been given the go-ahead to welcome children back to the soft play area.

Rob Scott, director of Indoor Adventure, parent company of Hullabaloo, said: “We are currently closed and are totally unsure when we can re-open.

“We intend to open our laser arena mid-August depending on a few criteria being met.

“We intend to keep the business afloat for as long as we can as we only purchased it last year, but we have had a mixed review from customers, some saying they’ll never return, some saying please please reopen.”

In preparation for reopening, Rob and his team already have a number of measures in place to make customers feel as safe as possible.

The measures include a pre-booking system, a parent disclaimer for Covid-symptoms, Track and Trace, capacity limitations, hand sanitising stations, reduced party numbers, temperature checking, protective screens and full PPE for first aid.

Staff members will also be trained on new protocols as soon as the attraction is given the green light.

Rob added: “I feel we have done as much as we can to ensure our customers are safe, however I do understand the Government concern over soft play and the kid interaction whilst in the play frame.

“But, kids under the age of five are allowed to interact with other kids and this is our target audience.

“I am very keen to work with the public to build confidence however I will be operating at virtually a loss in the initial period.”

All 26 members of staff who work at the play centre were furloughed at the start of lockdown.

Four have now had to be made redundant, 16 have been removed from furlough and the remaining six remain are having their furlough reviewed monthly, as businesses will have to pay towards the scheme from this weekend.

“Financially it is difficult to see how it is fair to force us to contribute towards staff costs next month and the following two whilst being unable to open,” Rob continued.

“The initial grant was a benefit but short lived.

“I feel the Government should identify those businesses that they are forcing to remain closed and assist them until they give the green light.

“We will also not be able to gain benefit from the VAT reduction until we open and this too should be extended for six months after we open.”

Despite the financial difficulties and the uncertainty around when they can open, Rob remains optimistic.

“We are desperate to re-open and will continue to be as positive as we can during this time,” he added.

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