Bradford Council has approved plans to convert a major vacant unit at The Leisure Exchange into an expanded family entertainment centre operated by Funzy.
The 2,330 square metre unit was previously occupied by Grosvenor Casino, which closed in May 2018. Since then, the space has remained one of several empty units within the city centre leisure complex. The approved change of use will allow Funzy, already located next door, to extend its footprint and create a much larger attraction within the site.
Funzy opened at The Leisure Exchange in 2018, taking over a former gym space and building its offer around inflatable obstacle courses, bouncy castles and play areas. The business has since become a well-known leisure venue in Bradford and has been closed since July as preparations continue for the expansion.
For operators, landlords and city centre stakeholders, the approval is notable because it brings a large dormant space back into productive use. It also reflects the continued role of indoor family entertainment centres in supporting urban leisure destinations, particularly where retail and former nightlife units require new uses.
Repurposing Vacant City Centre Space
The Leisure Exchange is one of Bradford’s key leisure locations, with access to parking, food and drink operators, and public transport. The former casino unit offers the scale needed for a larger entertainment format, while its city centre position provides access to a broad catchment.
Planning documents stated that the development would support the wider complex and help return activity to a unit that has been vacant for several years. Bradford Council’s planning officers agreed, noting that the proposal would bring the space back into active leisure use and contribute to the vitality and viability of the city centre.
From a B2B perspective, the scheme shows how family entertainment concepts can support regeneration aims by filling large-format spaces that may be difficult to let for conventional retail or hospitality. Inflatable play and active leisure models can make use of generous floorplates, high ceilings and existing visitor infrastructure, making them practical options for complex owners seeking footfall-generating tenants.
Accessibility And Operational Strengths
Planning officers also highlighted the site’s accessibility. The Leisure Exchange benefits from a dedicated multi-storey car park, with further pay-and-display parking nearby. Its location within the city centre also gives it strong public transport links, reducing concerns around highways and parking impact.
These factors are important for family entertainment centre operators, where ease of access, group movement, arrival management and repeat visitation are closely linked to commercial performance. A central location can also support linked trips to nearby food, retail and cultural venues, spreading visitor spend across the wider area.
The expansion is expected to open in autumn. While full details of the enlarged offer have not yet been confirmed, Funzy has indicated that the project will create a significantly larger family entertainment centre for Bradford, with ambitions to establish a nationally notable venue.
Implications For Family Entertainment Operators
The approval points to continued demand for active indoor leisure, especially in city centres looking to diversify beyond retail-led models. For developers and landlords, the Funzy expansion offers an example of how established local operators can scale within existing complexes when suitable adjacent space becomes available.
For suppliers working in play design, safety systems, ticketing, theming, lighting, catering and venue operations, projects of this type present opportunities linked to refurbishment, fit-out and long-term operation.
As Bradford continues to invest in its cultural and leisure offer, the Funzy expansion could play a practical role in strengthening The Leisure Exchange and supporting greater use of large city centre leisure assets.
