A STATE-OF-THE-ART new inflatable theme park is coming to a school in Southport in time for half term – and it’s for both pupils and big kids alike!
The ‘pop-up’ venture is the brainchild of ‘Inflata Nation’, a popular brand with venues across the UK.
Most Inflata sites – such as the ones in Manchester, Runcorn, Birmingham, Beverley and Glasgow – cover around 20,000 square ft of wall-to-wall bouncy entertainment.
But the firm has now created a smaller version, called ‘Inflata Town’ and covering around 3,000 square ft, which will be unveiled at Stanley High School, Fleetwood Rd, on Monday February 18th.
Inflata Nation founder Michelle Ball, who’s also headquartered in Southport, reveals: “We’re really excited to bring our first ever ‘pop-up’ Inflata Nation to Southport, and we can’t wait to see a whole new breed of bouncers enjoying themselves.
“We’ve created new inflatables that’ll fit perfectly into the school’s hall, and the facility will be available to enjoy every weekend and during every school holiday.
“What’s more, it’s not just reserved for the kids. We’ll run under-12s sessions up until 1pm, and then after that time anyone and can get involved, whether your five or 95!”
Inflata Nation has struck a three-year deal with Stanley High School, and says the length of the collaboration highlights their commitment to delivering a brilliant service, while also guaranteeing the school rental income for the foreseeable future.
“While most Inflata venues charge £9.95 to participants aged 4 and above, the pop-up venue will only be charging £5.95 for those Under 5 years and £7.95 per hour for everyone else.”
Michelle, a mum-of-one who runs Inflata Nation with husband Matt, adds: “Just because it’s a smaller venue, it doesn’t mean it’s any less fun.
“We’ve got ‘death drop’ slides, massive ball pools, obstacle courses and extra-bouncy sections all incorporated into a wall-to-wall inflatable space.
“As with other venues, we’ll also have a smaller area dedicated to toddlers and infants, where they can enjoy themselves away from the bigger kids.
“We can’t wait to get started and it’s extra special for us that we’re launching the pop-up venture in our home town.”
Neil Moore, Headteacher at Stanley High School, commented “We are delighted to be welcoming Inflata Nation to Stanley High School and are looking forward to this exciting partnership starting in the coming weeks.
“The inflatable park will provide thrilling, invigorating fun for families in Southport and demonstrates our commitment to being a school centred around our community.”
Michelle and Matt, with offices in Princes Street, first shot to fame in 2014 after opening a series of trampoline parks, called ‘Jump Nation’.
But in 2017 they switched from trampolines to enormous indoor bouncy castles by unveiling the Inflata Nation brand.
Since opening their flagship Inflata venue in Trafford Park, Manchester, they’ve since expanded to Runcorn, Birmingham and Beverley.
And in December last year they also debuted in Glasgow, hosting a launch event attended by former I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! star Helen Flanagan.
Meanwhile Michelle and Matt have plans to spread their wings further in 2019.
Michelle, mum to five-year-old son Max, says: “We think ten new locations for 2019 is a very realistic prospect as the market continues to expand – which is great news for anyone who’s been waiting for Inflata Nation to arrive at a venue near them, as we’re hoping to spread across the UK.
“And we’re also busy formalising what will be our first international franchise, with plans to expand into further international markets next year.
“The precise details of that venture is strictly under wraps for the moment, but it’s extremely exciting for Matt and I.
“Watch this space!”
When the Manchester site first opened, it welcomed 100,000 ‘bouncers’ within the first four months of business, while all four businesses have created around 160 jobs.
If the rate of expansion is realised, Inflata Nation projects a turnover of more than £16million by the end of 2020.
Matt said: “Our model has proved successful so far and we are aiming to roll it out even further over the next 12 months.
“We believe that Inflata Nation offers not only a unique experience for our customers but is also perfectly suited to an ambitious expansion strategy and is an attractive franchise opportunity.”
Inflata Nation is currently in discussions over a handful of other ‘interesting’ sites that will offer new attractions.
** For more information visit www.inflatanation.com
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