Former soft play centre turned venue hire business began as ‘slow burn’ but is now ‘really gaining traction’
A former soft play centre turned venue hire business began as a “slow burn” but is now “really gaining traction” in Northampton.
Zoomania, which evolved from Hullabaloo and opened in Gladstone Road in 2020, closed for the final time in April 2025.
The business reopened in May last year as Northants Venue Hire, allowing the public to hire the space for special occasions for all ages – such as birthdays, team building, social events, engagement and graduation parties, and more.
It is available to hire for two-hour slots from 9.15am until 11pm everyday, with weekdays priced at £375 and weekends priced at £450.
These prices include the multi-tiered soft play, a free-to-use arcade, dance floor, pool table and photobooth. A fully licensed bar and laser games are available as optional extras at an additional price.
Zoomania was one of the three brands trading under Indoor Adventure Ltd, which is run by director and owner Rob Scott. The other two are Laser Zone and All About Party Bags, also located in Gladstone Road.
When Zoomania changed to Northants Venue Hire, the other two aspects of Indoor Adventure Ltd remained unchanged.
When asked how business has been since the relaunch 10 months ago in May 2025, Rob told the Chronicle & Echo: “It’s really gaining traction. It was a slow burn which took us by surprise, but now we have bookings after bookings and repeat customers.
“It’s a large chunk of money for two hours and people are wary of what they’re going to get. People then see how exciting and fun-filled it is for children and adults and a range of events, like birthdays, baby showers and christenings.
“They can mix in laser tag as an added extra and tick off every aspect of fun. It works really well for an easy and bespoke private party. We’re starting to organise end of term school trips and Christmas bookings are coming in already.”
The team is in the process of adapting the dance floor to double up as a shuffleboard floor and with the launch of corporate packages, Rob is optimistic about what the future holds for Northants Venue Hire.
Rob was asked if he stands by the decision to close Zoomania and launch Northants Venue Hire in its place. “I do,” he said. “Financially, I haven’t seen any major returns yet but I knew it would be a two or three year growing process.
“There are so many options and markets to tap into now, like silent disco evenings. It’s quieter for us in the daytime, with two or three calls, but laser is still busy for parties and walk-ins. The investment we made is paying off.”
The photobooth is a particular hit with customers, as they are emailed the pictures following their event making for lovely memories to cherish.