Imagination Bay soft play centre opens in Bury

Aug 07, 2023

An indoor soft play centre with a beach theme has opened in Bury.

Imagination Bay on James Street opened on the first week of July with the aim of "providing a fun and immersive experience" for children of all ages.

Co-owner Shelly Hamilton, from Ramsbottom, said that since opening the business has been busy and had positive feedback.

She said: “It is a kind of soft play centre aimed at babies from around six months up to children of around 10 years.

“It is beach themed and has fully interactive sensory soft play and role play areas.”

Included in the site are an indoor sand pit and role play areas such as a shop, doctors and restaurant.

Situated just outside of the town centre, Shelly said the location offers easy access to families looking for “a day of excitement and adventure”.

She said: “From cooking up pancakes and cocktails at the cafe to enjoying campfire stories, having a beachside barbecue, shopping for beach accessories, or taking on roles in the community as doctors or police officers, children’s creativity knows no bounds.

“With every visit, they’ll discover new possibilities and develop important skills.

“We have plenty of seating for parents too and a cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks all day.”

Both Shelly and her business partner had hoped to set such a business up prior to the pandemic but said they never found the right premises.

And with Covid cases increasing at the time the idea was put on the backburner.

However, after the site on James Street was made available, the pair were able to build the play area and make their goal a reality.

Imagination Bay is open all week and is priced at £7.95 for two hours of play for those aged one and older.

Two hours of play for babies aged under one is £4.95 and adult entry for two hours is £1.

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