A POPULAR bowling site in Southampton could be due to close as a planning application for its demolition is expected to be submitted. 

The Tenpin bowling site at Aukland Road, Millbrook is subject to plans for a new builders' merchant operated by Travis Perkins. 

At this point it is understood that no planning application has been put forward. 

But the Daily Echo has taken a look at what we know so far about the controversial scheme which could see the loss of this popular Southampton site. 

What do we know about the proposals?

Being drawn up by insurance and financial services firm, Canada Life, the scheme would see the Tenpin site be redeveloped into a builders' merchant. 

The plans include demolishing the Tenpin building which sits just opposite the current construction site for a new Aldi store. 

The old building would be replaced by a warehouse with alterations also due to be made to the current parking area to the front and side of the building. 

Diagrams of the proposals can be found on fliers that have been posted to residents and hung up outside the building. 

Daily Echo:

When is this due to happen?

It is not yet known when the scheme will start as it will first have to be approved for planning permission by Southampton City Council. 

At this stage a planning application is not thought to have been submitted, despite initial claims that one was being drawn up for submission in April. 

Currently the business says it is consulting with residents of the area and an update on the scheme is understood to be coming over the next few weeks. 

What has the reaction been?

When asked by the Daily Echo, staff at the site said they knew about the flyer but hadn't been told anymore by the company. 

Whilst some users have said it would be "a shame" if the Tenpin bowling alley was lost. 

Paddy Maxwell has been bowling at the facility since it first opened and said "if the bowl closes, Southampton will lose yet another public amenity, an amenity that is still busy and popular with all ages."

Ward councillor for Millbrook, Jeremy Moulton is currently investigating and trying to find out more information about the scheme but he said the loss of the site will be a "great disappointment to people locally". 

What else do we know about the Tenpin site?

Having opened in the early 90s, the bowling alley is regularly used by bowling teams and families.

It includes a bar, games area with pool tables and a laser tag area. 

The bowling alley made headlines when a manager was hauled in front of the courts for stealing thousands of pounds in coins from the business. 

He was handed a prison sentence of 18 weeks but suspended for 18 months and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work as well as paying Tenpin £1,468 in compensation. 

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