Stevenston: Plans submitted for new soft play and cafe

Proposals have been submitted to North Ayrshire Council which would see the complete transformation of the former DEBRA charity shop and Kwik Save supermarket on Fullarton Place.

The application is the work of Mandeep Dhaliwal, director of Play & Go, a company recently set up to operate the facility if planning permission is approved.

Mr Dhaliwal is a well known face locally, having worked for his family business, the Premier Store in Kilwinning, for the past 20 years.

In more recent years, alongside his brother, he also opened the Subway sandwich shop franchise in Kilwinning before going on to acquire the same chain's franchise in Saltcoats.

In documents submitted alongside the application Mr Dhaliwal says it has always been his dream to operate a soft play business.

Drawings have brought the plans to life. (Image: Street View/CC Architectural)

Mr Dhaliwal admits he felt the opportunity to acquire the former charity shop, which was vacated little over a year ago, was too good to pass up.

He said: "I have always worked towards going on my own one day and my dream has always been to do a soft play.

"When this large vacant building came up for sale last year, I could see this as the perfect opportunity to help create jobs, generate footfall back into the main shopping area, and upgrade what is becoming an eyesore.

"Creating a facility in this location could help spark a regeneration of the immediate neighbourhood, filling some of the empty units nearby.

"The unit is also local to me and I am familiar with the surroundings area and the locals."

Plans have detailed a vast array of play areas. (Image: Street View/CC Architectural)

Drawings for the downstairs play area include several 'zones' for youngsters to enjoy, including challenge, trampoline, interactive sports, soft playground and exploration zones.

These areas could also include triple slides, a robot goalkeeper, scientific exploration table games, interactive trampolines, and a ball pool.

The various play areas would have a capacity for up to 155 people, while the adjacent cafe would have seating capacity for a further 96.

An overview of the main ground floor. (Image: Street View/CC Architectural)

Toilets, staff areas and a party room for functions are also included.

The planning application states that 53 parking spaces would be provided in the car park adjacent to the building, accessed from Glebe Street.

The application also outlines proposals for ride-on games outside the main entrance, underneath a shelter.

It is proposed that the facility would be called 'Candy Lane Soft Play' with plans stating the business would be open seven-days per week from 9.30am until 6pm.

It is hoped the facility would encourage more business in the area. (Image: Street View/CC Architectural)

If approved, bookings would be taken via a computer system with two hour sessions offered.

The proposed cafe would serve hot and cold food and drinks, with a buzzer system to alert diners when meals are ready to reduce overcrowding.

The application does not say how many jobs might be created if the plans are approved.

The application is currently pending consideration and can be viewed in full via the council's online planning portal, searching for reference 24/00471/PP.