Freedom Leisure acquires Pandamonium

Freedom Leisure has reopened the Pandamonium children’s indoor activity centre in Uckfield, Sussex, following its acquisition of the site from liquidators for an undisclosed sum.

The 12,000sq ft (1,115sq m) centre, previously operated by John and Nicky Hopper, is aimed at children aged 0 to 12 years old and features a large soft play structure, party facilities and a café.

It was closed on 1 May but reopened by Freedom Leisure – the sports trust which operates leisure and fitness facilities in Sussex – on 24 June.

Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure’s business development director, said he believed the trust could make the site successful.

“We believe the facility will be more effectively run by us as it will no longer be a standalone operation but will be backed up by what is now a 14-site operation, with all the appropriate support structures in place,” he said.

“Initially we will continue to trade under the Pandamonium name and will look for opportunities to bring the site under the "freedom active" brand over the next two years.”

He added that initial investment in the property was likely to focus on catering, with the introduction of Costa Coffee, but that there were also plans to install a three-panel Sport Wall. Details: www.freedom-leisure.co.uk

Photograph: (Sussex Express newspaper) Jeff Hart, Freedom Leisure’s managing director with Charlotte Haynes, manager of Pandamonium, with youngsters at the reopening day on Saturday 24th June