In a promising sign for Swindon's Greenbridge Retail and Leisure Park, construction has finally begun on the long-awaited Hollywood Bowl bowling complex. The development, which has faced several delays, comes in the wake of recent closures in the centre. According to a spokesperson for Hollywood Bowl, construction should be complete by the end of November.
A Delayed but Welcomed Addition
The Hollywood Bowl Swindon was initially announced in May 2023, with the centre expected to be open by Spring 2024. However, the project faced several setbacks. At first, the launch date was pushed to August 2024, though it wasn’t until mid-September that scaffolding around the site indicated progress was being made.
The new venue occupies the space that formerly housed PC World and Computers For Africa. Once completed, the centre will be a significant attraction for the area, and will contain 22 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, amusement arcades, and food and drink options. This will join one of several other attractions in the leisure park.
This includes a Vue Cinema, which opened at the end of 2023, and a Buzz Bingo hall. The latter is hugely popular with residents in Swindon and surrounding towns, with online slot and bingo Buzz Bingo promotions offering extra perks beyond the land-based gaming experience.
A Boost Amid Recent Closures
The arrival of Hollywood Bowl comes at a crucial time for Greenbridge Retail and Leisure Park, after several high-profile venues shut their doors. In July 2023, the Empire Cinema, one of Swindon’s most popular and iconic attractions, abruptly shut its doors after the company entered administration.
Following that, popular national chain restaurant Frankie and Benny's confirmed its permanent closure for October. These departures impacted foot traffic and the overall appeal of the retail park, so neighbour retailers will undoubtedly welcome the inclusion of the Hollywood Bowl.
The new venue also offers a glimmer of hope in troubling times for the sector, where an average of 38 retail spaces in the UK close every day. Of these, 16 are pubs, so the Hollywood Bowl will undoubtedly be welcomed by those looking for more nightlife options.
What to Expect
The Hollywood Bowl Swindon promises to offer affordable entertainment to its visitors in the form of bowling, arcade games, and events. The venue also features a luxury VIP area to cater to all types of guests. On completion, the Swindon venue will be the fourth Hollywood Bowl, with other centres in Bristol, Cheltenham, and Oxford.
In May 2023, The Original Bowling Company Limited, the company’s owner, submitted an application to Swindon Borough Council that would allow it to sell alcohol and provide entertainment between 9am to 1am daily. It will also be permitted to operate over New Year's Eve.
Looking Ahead
As Swindon residents watch the rise of the scaffolding, there is growing excitement for the Greenbridge Retail and Leisure Park’s revitalisation. If the Hollywood Bowl is successful, it could spell a boost in the area’s economic output, and encourage other entertainment, dining, and events chains to invest in the area.
