On July 16, 2020, over a dozen mascots representing indoor soft play centres around the UK descended on Westminster. The mascots were joined by owners, staff, and visitors of indoor play centres, all urging the government to provide clearer vision on when and how they can reopen.
A study by BALPPA, the organisation that represents the interests of indoor play centres and visitor attractions in the UK, unveiled that up to two-thirds of indoor play centres in Britain face permanent closure within weeks.
A petition was launched by BALPPA calling for the government to save the indoor play centre sector from closure. The petition, to date, has attracted more than 16,000 signatures.
Paul Kelly, chief executive of BALPPA, spoke about the crisis within the industry: “Last week the indoor play industry was dealt the latest devastating blow in the COVID-19 crisis when they were once again totally overlooked in the government’s re-opening plans.
“Over the past month, more than 20 of our members have gone out of business. A survey we conducted among our members showed that nearly two-thirds of the remaining centres will permanently shut by October.
“The financial support given by the Chancellor last week, while welcome, can only add value to those businesses that are allowed to reopen. Without further financial support, the very future of this entire sector is at risk,” Kelly added.
