BROMSGROVE’S Imagination Street will be closing its doors on April 10 after seven years in the town, the co-owners have revealed.
Matt Jinks and Kevin Grubb made the announcement on Facebook last night and were inundated with messages from people expressing their disappointment and recalling the fond memories they and their children have had at the centre.
Matt told The Standard: “This difficult decision has been taken following several months of discussion and consideration and in light of various factors.
“We have always believed in investing in our business and keeping it fresh and new for our existing and new customers.
“We have, over the years, brought in interactive football areas, baby sensory rooms, interactive rooms, toddler mornings and whole range of new and exciting parties reflecting the popular themes of the time.”
The pair said they realised the Bromsgrove Imagination Street could do with being done up but, with the impending redevelopment of the site following its sale to Aldi, they would be unable to provide the required investment to take the centre onto the next level.
“We have therefore taken the decision to not extend our lease and to focus our efforts on Imagination Street Redditch and continuing to drive it on to new heights in terms of child enjoyment and the development of new concepts.”
Matt said the decision had been taken with a heavy heart.
“It has been an honour and a joy for us to have been a central part of the Bromsgrove community and to see so many children (and parents) share so many happy moments with us.
“From first steps and first birthdays to play dates and new friendships made, it has been a journey as much for us as it has our customers.”
The pair said one of the most rewarding aspects of running Imagination Street was being able to give something back to the community – the centre has been involved with helping young people at Chadsgrove Special School, has created an Autism club and also supported of the Akamba Charity giving children in Nairobi a chance of a better life.
“Those projects we have taken part in have been a source of much pride for the owners and we will continue to support these and many other worthy causes in the future.
Kevin added: “We intend to make the last month of Imagination Street, Bromsgrove, a celebration of the many happy times so many people have shared by having special events and sharing pictures and memories around the venue and would ask any customers who wish to contribute to bring in pictures and stories to put on our memory wall.”
Both owners are very keen to emphasise that Imagination Street as a company will continue to grow.
As well as Imagination Street Redditch, the co-owners have also put forward a planning application for a new state-of-the-art Trampoline Park (Gravitation Street) on the same site as the Redditch one.
“Whilst this is the end of an era it is only the beginning of our journey and we are excited for the future,” said Kevin.
It is hoped that Imagination Street will be able to redeploy as many of the current staff working at Bromsgrove to the Redditch site and will be working with them over the coming month on achieving this.
