Space-themed family entertainment centre ready for lift off

A new space-themed venue is coming to the Prospect Shopping Centre, in Hull.

Hull City Council has granted £158,000 to Roman Adventures Ltd, trading as Little Astronauts, for a facility on the top storey of the shopping centre.

It is due to open in October and will occupy a former food court which has been closed for five years. The new venue will have a full capacity of about 300 people.

The funding has come from the council’s Government-backed Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and will transform the neglected area into a space-themed play and educational hub which will be supported by a food and beverage offering.

More than 7,500 sq ft of unused floor space will be brought back into use, while at least 13 full-time equivalent jobs will be created.

The award is being match-funded by Roman Adventures, meaning more than £150,000 of private capital will also be invested into the city centre.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This is an exciting project, one that will no doubt provide endless fun for families in Hull.

“There is nothing like this in the area, so for the council to be able to support bringing to the city centre is fantastic and is another great example of the potential which LUF helps to unlock.”

Little Astronauts was founded by husband and wife team Ben and Danielle Roman.

Ben Roman said: “After visiting various local soft play and family entertainment centres with our boys, we noticed a real lack of quality and consistency.

“Many places we’ve been to don’t provide a fantastic experience for parents, with poor quality food and drink, uncomfortable seating, and play areas that are neither aesthetically pleasing or clean.

“We wanted a place where our kids could have fun and we could relax and enjoy the experience too. We saw an opportunity to change that with Little Astronauts.’’

Danielle Roman added: “As parents of two young boys, Ben and I have often found ourselves struggling to find a nice place locally where we can enjoy a meal while our children play safely.

“We noticed a real gap in Hull City Centre for a family-friendly venue that combines good healthy food with a safe, clean, and fun play environment for the children.

“With Little Astronauts, we’re creating a space where families can come together, enjoy great food, and let their kids explore and play. We’re excited to offer something special to the families of Hull.”