An indoor rock climbing attraction which was set to open at Weston’s Dolphin Square complex has pulled out – but a replacement has been secured at the 11th hour before the summer season ‘takes off’.
Rock Up was due to open at the Oxford Street leisure hub, but it has confirmed it will not be occupying the unit between 24-hour gym Anytime Fitness and eight-screen cinema Cineworld.
But to the relief of developer McLaren Life and North Somerset Council, which receives 12.5 per cent of rent paid at Dolphin Square, a replacement tenant has been secured, and could open before the busy summer season ends.
MORE: A quarter of the units in Dolphin Square remain empty.
A council spokesman told the Mercury: “McLaren Life has confirmed a replacement tenant for the vacant unit adjacent to Anytime Fitness, which was intended to be filled by Rock Up, has been found offering a similar clip-and-climb experience.
“Their name will be revealed shortly and all parties are working hard to get them open and trading in time for the summer period.
“That will bring the site to just less than 80 per cent occupancy.
“The council will continue to support McLaren Life as it fills the remaining units of Dolphin Square.”
MORE: 7Bone Burger Co. is the most recent business to open.
Rock Up’s withdrawal comes after the Mercury reported Mimosa, an Asian buffet chain due to open a large restaurant at Dolphin Square, went bust leaving a key corner unit empty.
The council reiterated its satisfaction with the new-look Dolphin Square, which has been welcoming customers for more than six months and is proving a success in ‘challenging times’ for the restaurant market.
The spokesman added: “Dolphin Square has become a hub of activity since it opened with Pizza Express, Nando’s, Prezzo, Luda, 7Bone Burger, Anytime Fitness, Costa and Cineworld opening first and Loco Mexicano and Preto to open soon.
“With the restaurant market experiencing challenging times, the popularity of the site is a testament to the strength of the local economy, and the demand for family-orientated restaurants in the town.
“This will be further emphasised over the coming months as the summer season takes off.”
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