A TRAMPOLINE activity centre in Bolton has opened its new £250,000 soft play area, in hopes of boosting leisure in the area.

The huge investment to Jump Xtreme on Trinity Retail Park includes 5,000 sq ft of fun filled activities and caters for all ages, with the new area aimed at children aged up to 14.

Club manager, Greg Strickland, 42, said: “It’s a completely different day out. You can bring the whole family down, get kids off the phones and internet, and lets them have some good old fashion fun.”

The new area boasts over 40 different activities, including air cannon which fire balls, a zip wire, ball pool, wobbly bridges, a snake slide, and a ‘mega’ astra slide.

In order to make way for the area and two extra party rooms, 30 trampolines were removed.

Mr Strickland said “That allows us to run specific parties. I think we’re the first to run a combination party of both trampolines, play area and food as part of the party”.

Since Jump Xtreme opened two years ago, the activity centre has gone from strength to strength.

Mr Strickland said: “We’ve all built the company up together, everyone who works here is involved in the ideas. We want it to grow organically through word of mouth, that way you get a sense of a community through returning customers.

“We noticed a lot of places were catering more towards the teenage demographic, but we thought ‘why not go the other way?’ and give the chance to have a day out for all ages.

"There’s nothing better than seeing the red faces come off. We had a 75-year-old grandad come on once, we tick all the boxes.”

The area also includes a newly built barista bar, complete with locally sourced refreshments including paninis and sandwiches, as well as a complimentary brew for parents as their children enjoy the area.

Mr Strickland welcomed the idea of more activities in the area.

“It’s nice to regenerate an area of Bolton which was on its last legs, I hope more leisure businesses come. Maybe a Go Kart centre could work in the retail park.”