RIO Olympic medallist Bryony Page sprang into action to officially open a new trampolining centre in Newport.
Bryony, aged 25, a trampolining silver medallist in Rio gave the centre at Newport Retail Park, Spytty the thumbs up after testing the brand new facilities opened at Spytty by Energi last weekend.
Bryony, from Sheffield, wearing her silver medal, said: “The facility is great and provides a safe and fun environment for those wanting to enjoy trampolining. Anything like this which encourages people to get into trampolining and to exercise has got to be a good thing.”
The new centre has converted 20,000 sq ft in part of what used to be the Zap Zone area of the former Megabowl into a multi use leisure park. The rest of the space of the former Megabowl is taken up by Home Bargains and Exercise 4 Less.
The Energi centre has 100 connected trampolines, including a Olympic grade one, eight magnetic climbing walls, a Ninja warrior area, foam pits, hanging hoops and a huge air bag landing area resplendent in giant Welsh flag. There are large screen TV showing sports and a soft play are for toddlers
The centre, which also has a large mezzanine café with a huge chill out area overlooking the main arena, has created some 75 full and part time positions.
Simon Maycock, of Energi Leisure Parks said: “We were very impressed with the calibre and quality of the candidates we interviewed for the positions available at the new centre here in Spytty. They were keen and raring to go-they really got what it is we’re creating here in their city.
“We’ve invested about £1.7m creating this new park using trampolines and related equipment all made in the UK in Doncaster a company we have worked with and know for years.
Mr Maycock, who has previous experience of running successful businesses in Newport, said the entire fit out of the empty unit had taken 14 weeks from start to finish.
“We took probably took just an hour an half to make a decision on this unit when we were introduced to it by Haydn Thomas of Hutchings and Thomas. We could see the potential immediately we stepped through the door. If there is a perfect site for us then this is it-the location with masses of car parking, a retail park and plenty of homes nearby is ideal. We are projecting first year turnover of £2.5m for this new venture.”
Energi Leisure Parks have three others centres, at York, Wilmslow and Preston and have instructed Hutchings & Thomas to source potential new sites to roll out their programme template.
Haydn Thomas, of Hutchings & Thomas Chartered Surveyors, Newport said: “The former Megabowl with its clear open space offered Energi the perfect canvas on which to create what is an ultra modern multi use trampoline and sports centre.
“The location close to major routes, including the M4 plentiful free parking on their doorstep and the retail park nearby made this the ideal location. We’ve now got to find more of these sites for Energi to roll out their programme of openings.”