Child’s play for centre following investment
A FORMER teacher has created 30 jobs after investing £400,000 to transform a former warehouse into a children’s play centre and party venue.
Dr Sipra Deb is behind The Play Arena, an indoor children’s play centre and party venue business, in Sheffield.
The 18,000 sq ft facility provides soft play and party entertainment, including a driving track, a moving crocodile slide and zip wire, for youngsters up to 16 years old.
NatWest’s business banking team in Sheffield provided a £70,000 loan via the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme to support the launch of the venture.
Dr Deb has spent two years researching and visiting a number of play centres in the UK and Europe, to assess what type of features would attract children and their parents.
She has introduced a full-time chef at The Play Arena, who will serve healthy food and an outdoor eating area.
Dr said: “It has taken a huge amount of time and effort to reach this position and we are delighted to welcome our first visitors. The Play Arena aims to create a friendly, fun filled environment where children can play and exercise safely.
“The facility has been designed to provide mental and physical stimulation for children through uninhibited play. We chose this location because the area lacked a facility of this kind that can bring children and parents together.”
Faith Douglas, relationship manager at NatWest, said: “Dr Deb undertook a significant amount of research and presented us with a very thorough and comprehensive business plan.
“She has a clear vision for the future of the business and we are happy to help support her plans.”
