LANDMARK plans to bring a go-karting track, Boom Battle Bar and trampoline park inside a former department shop have been approved.
The major renovation of Colchester’s vacant Debenhams will also see a mini golf course and arcade opened within.
It means the full blueprints for the site which has laid empty in Culver Street West since May 2021 have been approved.
The ground floor will see an arcade accessed at the Culver Square entrance and a Putt Putt Noodle mini golf course at the Culver Street West end.
Boom Battle Bar, which offers augmented reality darts, axe throwing and more alongside a licensed bar, will be stationed at the Head Street side.
The first level will be kitted out with an indoor trampoline park run by Flip Out and complimented by another arcade.
And a 3,755 sq m go-karting course where drivers can zoom around the former department shop will be opened on the top floor.
Planners have now been given permission to change the use of the site from retail to leisure, marking the first step towards the scheme coming to life.
But they have been told the go-karting course cannot be open outside the hours of 9am and 8pm to ensure residents do not suffer from extra noise.
Our Colchester Business Improvement District boss Sam Good said the development will be “an anchor to drive more visitors in”.
He said: “It is crucial that this development is considered alongside its economic impact on the city centre.
“The development itself would be unmatched by a large retailer due to the nature of the retail sector at this current time.
“As city centres evolve across the UK, we must support this evolution with increased experiences for visitors and residents.”
He added: “This brand is taking an exceptional leap in this level of investment in Colchester and it is a real sign of their faith in Colchester's current and potential ability.”
There were just two objections submitted for consideration by Colchester Council in relation to the scheme.
One said: "We already struggle with trying to sleep at night due to the anti-social behaviours of the public and we think this will encourage more young adults and adults to cause more problems to where we live."
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