Buckley: Plans to transform Original Factory Shop building

Kat Jones, who owns the Aspire to Inspire gym in Buckley, is taking on the former home of the The Original Factory Shop on Brunswick Road in the town.

She said she is hoping to turn the downstairs of the building into a children's soft play area and a bowling alley, which would include a café.

An overview of what the facility could like. (Image: Kat Jones)

"I have been working with Flintshire Council's town centre regeneration team and Save the High Street for a few months and my business plans have been proposed to both of them.

"The landlords of the factory shop have accepted it and the architects and the builders are in as we speak. The next stage is submitting a planning application.

"All being well, the ladies gym will be relocated to the top floor of the Factory Shop and the bottom floor will be a bowling alley and a soft play with a cafe, creating eight jobs."

Kat said she will need the support of the Buckley community to help make the plans a reality. 

"Buckley has become a ghost town unfortunately," she said, "having done research over the past few years, a population of around 13,000 people with not enough activities in the area. There are more young families, some of which do not drive. 

"This project has been in the pipeline for some time now and I really want to push forward and help create something again for the community. I am hoping that as a community we can pull together and make this happen. We are still in the planning and quotation stages, we would love your support in this new venture bringing Buckley back to life, as always your feedback is always welcome."

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After sharing news of the plans on the Buckley Residents Group on Facebook, dozens of people commented in support - describing it as a "brilliant idea". 

One person said: "I think due to the huge increase in the population of Buckley this would be a massive benefit to the children. Please consider doing sensory mornings/afternoons on particular days for additional needs - that would be awesome."

Another added: "We struggle being non drivers to get to bowling in either Wrexham or Cheshire Oaks especially when my autistic boy wants to go all the time."

A further commentor said: "Definitely a great idea, always looking for things to do with grandchildren and as I don’t drive I’m limited to where I can go."