Fun Parx to convert Norwich's empty Debenhams to soft play centre

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 07:14 · Archive

Norwich's former Debenhams building will be converted into a five-level Fun Parx soft play centre with construction beginning in January.

Fun Parx, a soft play business with centres in Basildon, Cardiff, Wigan, Dundee and Edinburgh, will convert the former Debenhams store in Norwich into a family entertainment park. Construction will begin in January after the building stood empty since 2021. Matt Tofts, co-founder of Fun Parx, said the January start date was chosen to avoid disrupting shoppers during the busy festive period. Architects will have draft designs available within a month.

The five-level centre will offer sessions for different age groups and abilities. Tofts said the venue would run over-18s nights as well as events for toddlers, and would look at providing dedicated sessions for people with special education needs, home-schooling groups and school visits. He described the project as giving families 'something different and fun to do in the city centre'.

Fun Parx took over the site after Orford House Developments abandoned plans to build 377 student flats there. The developer had been given permission to demolish the building in February but later told the BBC the scheme was no longer viable due to the 'current economic climate'. When the soft play plans emerged, some critics, including Nick Taylor, Reform UK chairman for Norwich, questioned whether the scheme would be viable and profitable.

How it is being reported

• Soft play business boss reveals when work will start on former Debenhams buildingWork to turn Norwich's former Debenhams into a five-level Fun Parx soft play centre will begin in January after the building stood empty since 2021.Eastern Daily Press · 9 Oct, 06:00
• Soft play business boss reveals when work will start on former Debenhams buildingWork to turn Norwich's former Debenhams into a five-level Fun Parx soft play centre will begin in January after the building stood empty since 2021.Norwich Evening News · 9 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Fun Parx · Norwich · Matt Tofts · Orford House Developments · Nick Taylor · Reform UK

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