Child’s play for Head over Heels

SOFT play centre operator Head Over Heels is investing £300,000 in opening a second site in South Manchester.

The company which runs the popular play facility in Chorlton has bought a
17,500sq ft building at the Stanley Green Business Park, Handforth, and is now fitting out the facility to create the region’s largest play centre.

The expansion is being funded by a loan from Royal Bank of Scotland’s business and commercial banking team in Manchester.

The new Head Over Heels site, which is due to open next month, is more than twice the size of the original centre in Chorlton.  It will feature a giant play area, a disco room, car track, mini cinema, sensory room and bungee trampolines. 

Set up by Cathy Dunlevy five years ago, the Chorlton centre and its restaurant has won a clutch of awards including a place in the Daily Telegraph’s top five friendly family restaurants.

Cathy Dunlevy said: “We have been looking for a second site in South Manchester for some time and are delighted that we are almost ready to open in Handforth Dean.
“It is a very exciting time for everyone connected with the business as it gives us the opportunity to offer children a play centre on a scale and standard not previously seen in this area and will create 50 new jobs for local people across the two play centres.

“The success of the Chorlton site is largely due to catering for the needs of both adults and children and to the fantastic staff who help to create a friendly and fun-filled environment where children can play and exercise safely.

RBS relationship manager Andy added: “Cathy has a good vision and committed to ensuring that each parent and child enjoys their Head Over Heels experience.  This approach has seen her establish a successful business in a relatively short space of time.”