Plans for rival trampoline parks next door to each other on the outskirts of Chester have been given the go ahead.
Firms Flip Out and Jump Xtreme had both applied to set up attractions on Chester Gates Business Park.
While trampoline parks are already up and running in Deeside, Liverpool and Winsford, there is still a gap in the Chester market.
Cheshire West and Chester Council have now green lit both plans, opening up the possibility for them to move in.
Each firm is claiming to be on the verge of setting up 50,000ft arenas at the Dunkirk base, which would be two of the largest in the world.
Flip Out are expanding from their first UK site in Stoke.
Flip Out Chester director Matthew Melling said: “We’re so excited to be bringing Flip Out to Chester. Feedback from all our customers over at Stoke has been amazing.
“This is exactly the approach we will bring to Chester and we can’t wait to show people how we are different to other trampoline arenas out there.
”It’s going to be awesome – twice as big as our arena in Staffordshire.
“The whole idea behind Flip Out is that it is a fun, exciting leisure venue where people of all ages are welcome and families can come together in a way that the parents can enjoy as much as the kids.”
They say a £2m investment would allow them to create 100 jobs.
Tattenhall-based Jump Xtreme are looking to come home make and Chester their ‘special’ headquarters.
The company already has trampoline parks in Bolton and Tamworth.
Jump Xtreme managing director Cliff Nicholls said: “Our site in Chester is particularly special for a number of reasons.
“I have spent many years in the Chester area and it has always been high on the list of areas for development for us
“It’s been a long journey finally landing the right site, making it even more satisfying now that it’s been achieved.
“In addition, this park, given its sheer scale, we believe will be the biggest and best yet that has been established in the UK.
“It will also serve as the UK headquarters of our rapidly expanding operation as we roll out our plans to open a further 10 parks over the next two years.”
Found between Chester and Ellesmere Port just off the A5117, Chester Gates is also very close to the M56 making it an highly desirable location for the businesses.
The race is on to get up and running.
Flip Out aim to be open in October, with Jump Xtreme looking at December.
Both companies are offering ‘wall-to-wall’ bounce areas with basketball hoops, dodgeball and soft-play areas, with fitness classes and DJ sessions as part of a schedule of events.
There will also be cafes and viewing galleries to make it the ideal place for parties and family days out.
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments below.
