THE firm behind a new bowling alley and mini-golf centre in Colchester have promised to provide "unique family entertainment" for the town and announced when they should be open.

The Hollywood Bowl Group is set to open both a Hollywood Bowl and a Puttstars golf centre at the £50 million Northern Gateway leisure complex.

Planning for both venues is underway, with an expected opening date set for early 2023.

A Hollywood Bowl Group spokesperson said: "We are excited to bring the unique family entertainment experiences of Hollywood Bowl and Puttstars to Colchester.

"We are currently in the early planning stages for each venue with a view to opening in early 2023.

"Once complete, the exciting new venues will bring bowling and mini golf experiences to the town, featuring food and beverage, along with amusement arcades for people to enjoy."

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The firm has applied to Colchester Council for a premises licence for the site.

According to the licence application, the firm wants permission to play films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, and host performances of dance indoors between 9.30am and 1.30am Sunday to Thursday.

On Friday and Saturday hours would be extended to 9.30am and 3am. Alcohol would also be sold between these hours.

The licence application also wants permission to service late night refreshments between 11pm and 2am Sunday to Thursday and 11pm to 3am Friday and Saturday.

The Northern Gateway leisure complex features a 12-screen Cineworld cinema with Superscreen and 4DX capabilities, seven restaurants, three leisure units - mini-golf, bowling and a climbing centre - and two drive-thru eateries.

A 90-bed hotel, set to be run by Travelodge, is also set to be built as well as a 750-space car park.