Calls for more indoor leisure activities in Weymouth

Player Ready Weymouth was due to close the business yesterday after opening on Maiden Street two years ago.

The business offered a virtual reality gaming experience including escape rooms, laser tag, sim-racing, a zombie mode, and also acted as a party venue.

Player Ready Weymouth closed on May 30

The owners said that issues surrounding the cost of living were a huge factor.

Paul Appleby, president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: "There is a huge demand for 'bad weather' entertainment in Weymouth.

"As we're having wetter summers, we could use indoor leisure more than ever.

"We certainly need more weather-proof attractions.

"Player Ready leaving vacates a nice space in the town centre for another business to come in.

"We have got an award-winning beach and the beautiful harbourside, so we just really need something for when the weather is not so good."

The venue was one of only a handful of indoor leisure facilities in the town centre after MFA Bowl closed down in 2019.

It was shut after the roof of the building was found to be unsafe and in need of being completely replaced, at the cost of around £200,000.

Whilst Weymouth has a fantastic beach, a picturesque harbourside and lots of scenic parks and gardens there are limited choices for indoor family entertainment.

Current venues in and around the town centre include Cineworld, the Nothe Fort, the Pavilion and attractions at Lodmoor Country Park including the Sea Life Centre and Sandworld.

Amusement arcades including the sites at Alexandra Gardens and further out, Bowleaze Cove, are also popular. Also away from the town centre, Sharky's Fun Factory at the Granby is a hit with families.

People in Weymouth were asked about their views on indoor leisure in the town.

Marvin and Beth were on holiday from Southampton with their son.

Marvin and Beth from Southampton were visiting Weymouth with their son (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Beth said: "We visit Weymouth all the time we come down quite often.

"We have thought about this before and there really isn't much to do indoors.

"We go to Sea Life quite often but there isn't a huge amount of choice.

"Ideally you want somewhere to go when the weather is rubbish."

Kevin and Julie from Weymouth also said they would like to see more indoor activities.

Kevin said: "I think it is a real shame we don't have a bowling alley anymore.

"We go to the cinema, but there really isn't a lot more to do that isn't too expensive.

"I would like to see them bring a bowling alley back at least, or something like it."

There could be hope for indoor leisure in the town, with the development of Brewers Quay.

However, it could be another three years before the development of the iconic site is completed.

Brewer's Quay in Weymouth (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Developers behind the Brewers Quay project in Weymouth have confirmed that the main building works - building new homes, shops and a new Weymouth Museum - will be completed in June 2027.

Brewers Quay was closed in 2010, and its future was up in the air for years after prospective sales fell through.

The site used to be a major tourist attraction in the town, drawing footfall to Hope Square.