Peterborough's Activity World to close after 30 years with loss of 14 jobs

The indoor adventure playground Activity World, in Padholme Road East, is set to shut its doors in March because of the impact of rising costs.

Managing director Mike Boyle (71) said a variety of increasing costs from the minimum wage and to energy bills meant the centre was no longer financially viable.

He said: “It has become increasingly difficult for the business to be profitable when faced with the increased costs of the National Minimum Wage, business rates, employers National Insurance and enhancement in employee benefits.

“The business is not losing money but is not really making a profit.”

He said annual business rates were set to rise from £18,000 to £35,000 over the next three years.

“It is just unaffordable.

“We also have to pay 20 per cent VAT on everything we do.

“The increase in employer National Insurance has also had a huge impact.

“And then there are increases in our energy bill - every cost has gone through the roof.

“But we can’t really charge families more money at the moment with the current cost of living.”

Mr Boyle, who previously owned 10 amusement centres but now just has the Peterborough centre, said: “It is sad to close. But everything has to come to an end.

“We have also seen new competition come into the city. ”There are now six other similar centres in Peterborough.

He added: “And the very hot summer didn’t help this year. When the sun is out people don’t want to come indoors. We really need a rainy summer.”

But Mr Boyle said: “The positive news is that we have decided to keep going until March 31 so that our customers will have a period to enjoy our facilities a few more times before we close.

“I am hoping children who visited us 30 years ago and now have their own families will take the chance to bring their children here.”

Mr Boyle, who owns the building, said there had been interest from other potential occupiers.