Nostalgic soft play chain announces closure of UK shopping centre branch after 17 years with ALL memberships cancelled

A BRITISH soft play chain has announced the sudden closure of one of its locations after 17 years. The firm, which has venues across the the country, cited ”ever-increasing” overhead costs for the decision to close the site in a major UK shopping centre. The chain of playcentres is operated by professional children’s entertainers Credit: ALAMY Partyman World of Play in the Lakeside Shopping Centre will close on September 13 Credit: Alamy Partyman World of Play is to shutter its soft play venue in the Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex, on September 13. The chain of playcentres is operated by professional children’s entertainers and was launched in Basildon in 2007, opening in the Lakeside centre two years later. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Partyman World of Play also has soft play venues in Wembley, Oxford, Upminster, Ipswich and Cambridge. The venue has a four-star rating on Google with nearly 500 reviews. One person wrote: “Celebrated my Son’s birthday party at Partyman World of Play Lakeside and it was absolutely brilliant!” Another said the venue has “the best parties”. The company announced the closure of its Lakeside location on its website. A statement read: “Thank you to all the families who have visited us over the years. Your support, smiles, and memories have meant a great deal to our team. Most read in Money “Partyman World of Play Lakeside will be closing its doors on the evening of Sunday, 13 September. “Sadly, due to ever-increasing overhead costs, it is no longer financially viable for us to remain open. “All memberships and direct debits will be automatically terminated; however, customers have the opportunity to transfer their membership to the nearest branch in Upminster. “Vouchers and raffle prizes will remain valid until September 13, and unredeemed vouchers can be utilized at other Partyman World locations following the closure.” Comment now