Fresh bid for plans for new Coventry bowling alley and adventure golf venue in former Debenham's storeA much-anticipated new bowling alley and indoor adventure golf course in Coventry city centre could finally get the go-ahead. Plans for a "family entertainment centre" providing the activities have gone to the city council for approval.
Called 'The Smithford Social' the venue would be on the second floor of West Orchards in the old Debenhams store.
It would also host trendy new activities such as AR Darts and ShufflePucks shuffleboard. A small bar and catering would be on offer and likely to be used mainly by people doing the activities, operators say.
The venue would open from 9am to 1am - seven hours after West Orchards usually shuts - and create around 70 jobs. Plans have been developed by "experienced leisure and hospitality operators" and the building's landlords.
West Orchards' owners, who bought the centre in early 2021, are investing £2 million in the project according to the centre's website.
The scheme was revealed in late 2021 - months after Debenhams shut - and there were hopes to open by mid-2022.
West Orchards manager Andy Talbot said at the time: "We hope that by putting leisure into the shopping centre, it will give people another reason to visit Coventry city centre.
"And that will enhance the retail offer because it's not just about shopping, it's about eating, drinking and having fun as well."
But plans hit a snag last December (2022) when a bid to change the unit's use was rejected by the council. An officer judged that the centre's bar could draw in customers separately - and wouldn't be "ancillary" to the main activities.
This meant a "lawful development certificate" couldn't be used to change the shop's overall use as applicants wanted.
A planning application for a "mixed use" of the empty shop including a 'Sui Generis' drinking establishment went in last month and expires in June.