True to its name, Boomerang is back!

BOOMERANG Family Play Centre swings back into action next month after months in lockdown – and visitors can expect a brand new look!

The soft play centre – on the Bowerhill industrial estate – was given the go-ahead by the government to reopen as part of the next stage of the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

In preparation for its return in the first week of September, the centre has spent nearly £75,000 refurbishing facilities, updating play equipment, and purchasing new equipment to replace the ball pools – all in an effort to make the centre ‘Covid-secure’ for staff and customers.

Meanwhile, children of all ages can enjoy the Bounce House, the indoor trampoline park, which opened its doors last week.

Director Gary Cooke told Melksham News, “We are over the moon that we can reopen! Whilst soft play centres can now open – the government gave us two days’ notice last week – our reopening is slightly delayed as we are in the middle of a massive refurbishment.

“However, at one point it was going to be November that we could reopen – the government kept moving the date. So this is fabulous news and we are working full steam to get Boomerang open for September.

“The Bounce House is already back open – which means we can host birthday parties again for our customers. And not forgetting Little Joey’s Nursery, which is part of the Boomerang family – they are taking customers ready for September.

“We have completely refurbished all the play areas. All the ball ponds have gone, and been replaced with new play equipment. Every bit of play equipment has been replaced or re-covered, and sanitised.

“We have spent the best part of £50,000 refurbishing the play areas and on new play equipment; and another £25,000 throughout the building. Our reception was knocked down and rebuilt, so there is loads of space to help with social distancing.”

About the uncertainty the business has faced whilst waiting for the go-ahead to reopen, Gary said, “The main impact has been on the staff – not knowing when they can come back to work. The government’s furlough scheme has been brilliant in helping to support them.

“Financially, we had a rate rebate, but that was all that we were eligible for as we are too big a business to get government help. We will be opening with a 40% capacity because of Covid restrictions – so we will need the support of the community to get us back on our feet financially.

“The government on the whole has done everything they could do to look after every type of business. Obviously, some businesses have fallen through the cracks and some, like us, have had very little notice about reopening. But hey we’re opening soon – let’s look forward and not back and we cannot wait to welcome all our customers, both new and old, to a newly refurbished Boomerang. We promise it will be worth the wait!”