Interactive darts, shuffleboard, mini golf and karaoke pods are set to transform a former Ryde nightclub after plans to give the space a new lease of life were given the green light.
Isle of Wight Bowling has secured permission to change the use of the former Balcony nightclub at the Esplanade Pavilion, with planners saying the scheme will deliver economic, tourism and sustainability benefits.
The Edwardian pavilion already houses a tenpin bowling alley, alongside a café and bar, at ground-floor level.
Under the approved plans, the existing bowling and laser quest facilities will remain, while a range of new activities will be introduced on the first floor as part of a ‘family-friendly’ leisure offering.
These will include shuffleboard, interactive darts, American pool tables and karaoke pods, as well as a mini golf course featuring 9 indoor holes and a further 12 outside.
Food, drinks and music entertainment are also planned across both the ground and first floors, alongside customer seating areas to create an ‘eatertainment’ style venue.
Physical alterations to the listed building will include a new staircase linking the ground and first floors, new lift access and solar panels on the paved area of the first-floor balcony.
The Isle of Wight Council said the change of use and associated alterations would help secure the ‘continued viable use’ of part of the pavilion as a leisure and hospitality destination.
Planning consent has been granted subject to 5 conditions covering matters including heritage protection, the amenities of neighbouring occupiers, the character of the surrounding area and compliance with relevant legislation and planning policy.
Great idea better than having a nightclub.