Middlesbrough town centre is set to become a beacon of family fun with the summer unveiling of a brand-new InflateSpace inflatable theme park and Fun Shack soft play centre. This £2.5 million venture by the Fun Shack Group is not just an investment in the town’s infrastructure; it’s a commitment to the area’s joy, growth, and community spirit, bringing new life to the former Wilko unit in Captain Cook Square.
Already in progress, the topmost floor of the establishment is being transformed a much-celebrated Fun Shack play centre— slated to become the first of its kind indoor play centre within a city centre or town centre. The Middlesbrough Fun Shack will be a wonderland for children, featuring an innovative electric football pitch, crawl tunnels, rope bridges, and cherished classics like trampolines and cannonball arenas. With special attention to inclusivity, a meticulously planned toddler area will offer younger children their own playground, complete with a role-play village and sensory area.
Its ground floor shall be dedicated to InflateSpace, which is envisioned to be an indoor and massive inflatable park teeming with assault courses, slides, and bungee ropes. Here, families can dive into challenges, celebrate victories, and forge unforgettable memories.
Craig Freeman, the director of the Fun Shack Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the unveiling. He remarked that Inflatespace and Fun Shack coming to this wonderful place marks a milestone, When it opens, it will become the group’s first-ever location within a city centre. It will also become the first-ever inflatable park in the Teesside region. This sentiment is echoed by Cllr Theo Furness of Middlesbrough Council, who recognises the immense value this project brings to the town, making it an even more attractive destination for both residents and visitors.
Seaham became the destination for The Fun Shack Group’s first-ever centre 20 years ago. The group has since expanded across the Northeast, diversifying into trampoline parks, climbing centres, and inflatable parks. This expansion has proven their mastery in providing top-tier family entertainment, solidifying their brand as a trusted name for quality leisure experiences.
Captain Cook Square is the perfect destination to position the Fun Shack and InflateSpace. The decision will bolster the area’s transformation into a leisure hub. This venture will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the e-sports venue The Wired Lobby, and the gaming and karting giant Level X, among others. With upcoming additions like Bazaar, a new restaurant concept, and the American fast-food chain Wendy’s, the square is poised to become a thriving epicentre of entertainment and dining.
The ripple effect of this project is expected to be substantial. Economically, it promises to create 80-90 job opportunities and is poised to significantly boost local tax revenue. The introduction of these innovative spaces represents a forward-thinking approach to urban redevelopment, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of Middlesbrough’s town centre.
InflateSpace and Fun Shack are more than just play centres; they are catalysts for community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and happiness. This initiative aligns with the council’s vision of revitalising the town centre by offering dynamic, family-oriented experiences that invigorate the local economy and social landscape.
As the summer opening approaches, anticipation builds for a place where families can explore, play, and celebrate together. Fun Shack and InflateSpace are not merely new landmarks for Middlesbrough; they embody a larger narrative of growth, revitalisation, and the sheer delight of play that resonates with every visitor, young and old.
