Bowling alley, bars and a go-kart to open in former Middlesbrough TJ Hughes

Due to open in Captain Cook Square in the former TJ Hughes building, the plans also detail ping-pong tables, pool tables, a shuffleboard or beer pong area, and darts or shooting pods sprawled across two floors.

The proposal is a new venture from the boutique bowling company, Lane7, after announcing they’re stepping into the family entertainment centre market with their new brand - ‘Level X’.

Level X, the company says, "will bring together the best in games and tech, to create a space that’s as fun for the adults as it is for the kids".

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The new Middlesbrough site is one of a few already confirmed with a further five in the pipeline.

Tim Wilks, company chief executive. Picture: Handout

Tim Wilks, company chief executive, said: “Level X is all about merging the games you loved as a kid with cool tech elements to elevate the experience.

“We’ve been all over the world looking for the latest and best games with a particular focus on tech and I’m confident that we can bring products the UK market has never have experienced before.

“The venues themselves are bigger than we’ve ever launched before and the fit-outs will be fantastic - with loads of colour, different zones and huge attention to the detail.”

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With site builds imminent Lane7 Group are on the lookout for several new hires to support the large expansion plans.

This includes Project Managers, a Property Manager & IT Systems Manager - for more information head to their LinkedIn.  

The Lane 7 proposals are part of a strategy to create a regional leisure hub at Captain Cook Square.

E-Sports venue The Wired Lobby has also applied for a licence for a site at the former Peacocks and it is also hoping to remain open until 2am.

The council bought Captain Cook Square in July 2020 for £8m and House of Fraser for £1m, using cash from the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

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