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WORK STARTS ON BOWLING ALLEY
EXCITING designs for a state-of-the art bowling alley costing £1.5 million were unveiled today for Halifax.
Artists' impressions have been released to show the transformation of Halifax Snooker Club - the former Electric Cinema - into a major new leisure complex.
Work has now begun on the project, which includes a 10- lane ten-pin bowling alley. It is due to open next summer.
Calderdale Council and Action Halifax Urban Regeneration Project has awarded a 56,000 grant to architects planning to convert the building at Portland Place.
Paul Hughes, designer and senior lecturer at Bradford College, said the Electric Bowl project was something Halifax would be proud of.
"We've had planning permission for the project for a year and internal demolition and renovation began on Monday.
"We're also planning to build a new frontage to the building. The plans include 10 bowling lanes, a bar which will be subject to licensing, a kitchen and dining area, a video juke box, games machines and reception area. Disabled facilities will be available. The building itself will be modern but retrospective. We want it to compliment existing architecture such as the neighbouring Halifax Bank of Scotland.
"There's definitely a need for these facilities in Halifax. The plans are not mega or over the top - they suit the area well.
"The highlight will be that it's been designed by local people, for local people.
"Hopefully it will be open by July or August 2005," he said.
Developers have been working with global bowling alley company AMF on the scheme.
Brothers Michael, Paul, George and Tony Ioannou are directors of Halifax Snooker Club and Fast Eddies, with their mother Jackie. They have run the family business since 1983. The family have contributed 200,000 to the project.
Michael said the bowling alley would boost tourism.
"Plans for the bowling alley will affect us business-wise because the whole front entrance will need to be condoned off. There will be a lot of noise pollution but we won't close down while the work is completed.
"But this is something that Halifax desperately needs for families. It will be a fantastic addition to what we already offer at Halifax Snooker Club. Hopefully it will boost tourism in Halifax."
Halifax's last bowling alley, the 28-lane Halifax Bowl at Broad Street, closed in 1969 and the building now houses the Netto supermarket.
Plans to redevelop Halifax Snooker Club follow proposals by developers Miller Gregory to transform the Broad Street car park in Halifax into a major leisure attraction. Adrian Rose, Calderdale Council's regeneration manager, said: "There is likely to be a bowling alley as part of the Broad Street development but the developers are obviously confident there is a market for both.
"The Broad Street bowling alley will be larger and have more facilities. This current development won't affect our plans in any way.
"There's certainly evidence of the demand for these facilities. They are a proven attraction and Halifax is lacking facilities many other towns now have."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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