Plans lodged for Sheffield inflatable arena

A new indoor inflatable arena could be opened close to Meadowhall, creating about 70 jobs, if recently-submitted plans are given the go-ahead.Meadowhall Contracts Ltd has lodged plans with Sheffield City Council for the change of use of a unit at the M1 Distribution Centre.The new facility would be operated by AK Leisure Group Ltd, trading as Airkings, which currently runs trampoline parks in Doncaster and Scunthorpe.The 15,000 sq ft unit was most recently occupied by an automotive recovery business but has been vacant since 2015.The proposals cover the reconfiguration of the unit to accommodate an indoor inflatable area, together with party rooms, changing rooms and a small café. A mezzanine will be added to create a customer viewing area. A total of 42 car parking spaces will also be provided.The inflatable arena will include inflatable climbing walls, a ‘total wipeout’ area, open bounce cushion, slides, assault courses and a separate enclosed toddler area.The scheme is expected to create about 70 full- and part-time jobs.A planning statement prepared in support of the application said: “The proposal represents a unique opportunity to introduce a new format leisure operator to the Sheffield leisure market and their presence will represent beneficial economic investment into the area.”It added that the proposed venue would “continue the social and economic transformation of this area of the city”.