Isle of Wight Bowling has applied for a change of use of the former Balcony nightclub at the Esplanade Pavilion in Ryde, citing a ‘continued fall’ in ticket sales and increasing operation costs creating a ‘challenging environment’.
As well as the nightclub on the first floor, the Edwardian Pavilion is also home to a bowling alley and cafe and bar at ground floor.
Proposals include keeping the existing tenpin bowling and laser quest on the ground floor, and adding shuffleboard, interactive darts, mini golf and karaoke on the first floor, to create a ‘family-friendly’ environment.
The mini golf would have nine holes inside and 12 holes outside.
American pool tables would also be brought in on the first floor.
There is also a bar with food and music entertainment planned for both the ground and first floor, with associated customer seating areas.
Physical changes including the erection of a staircase link from the ground to the first floor, new lift access and solar panels on the paving area of the first floor balcony are also proposed.
Agent HLF Planning has said that while the nightclub has previously been a ‘popular element’ of Ryde Superbowl, it is ‘no longer viable’ to continue its use.
“A continued fall in ticket sales and increasing operations costs have created a challenging environment for the nightclub,” a submitted statement said.
“The premises relies strongly on the local community and tourism economy, and the applicant seeks to bring the premises into a new family-friendly era to align with current consumer demands.
“The assortment of proposed uses seeks to encourage an increase in activity while generating further revenue streams.”
County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 26/00722/FUL finishes on July 24 and a decision is due on August 17.