Millbrook: Tenpin staying open - and major investment is planned

Tenpin says it has secured the future of the popular facility and aims to transform it into a "state-of-the-art" family attraction.

Proposals to axe the 36-lane bowling alley at Auckland Road, Millbrook, were revealed in June last year.

Hundreds of people signed a protest petition set up by Amanda Baker, who said Tenpin was the "only place left" in the area for children to go that was "cheap and affordable".

An aerial view of the Tenpin bowling centre at Auckland Road, Southampton (Image: Steve Major Ltd)

The facility looked doomed when the city council supported moves to replace it with a branch of Travis Perkins.

Planning documents submitted by the applicant, Canada Life, said the bowling centre was "significantly oversized" and had also been hit by competition from Hollywood Bowl at Westquay.

READ MORE: Hundreds sign petition launched in bid to save Tenpin bowling alley in Millbrook from closure

Now, Tenpin has issued a statement detailing "successful efforts" to prevent the facility from closing.

It adds: "With a strong commitment to preserving community spaces and promoting family-friendly entertainment, Tenpin has been able to ensure continued trade at its existing premises.

The Tenpin bowling centre in Auckland Road, Southampton, is staying open (Image: Newsquest)

"The bowling and family entertainment centre has been an integral part of the community for over three decades, providing endless hours of entertainment, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories for residents of all ages.

"However, the centre faced the prospect of closure and conversion to a builders’ merchant, leaving a void in the local community.

"Letters were sent out to local residents saying the site could be demolished and hundreds of people signed an online petition in a bid to save the popular facility.

"Recognising the significance of the centre to the community, Tenpin have now managed to secure its future.

"They plan to invest substantial resources and undertake exciting renovations to transform the centre, creating a state-of-the-art family attraction which will include bowling and many more additional entertainment activities."

READ MORE: Plans to demolish Tenpin bowling centre in Millbrook move a step closer

Tenpin's chief executive, Graham Blackwell, added: "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to save Tenpin Southampton from closure.

"We recognise the importance of preserving these community spaces, and we are proud to be able to respond to local demand and ensure the centre's continued existence. We are committed to investing in the facility's refurbishment and modernisation."

Ward councillor Jeremy Moulton, deputy leader of the Conservative group on the council, described Tenpin's announcement as "wonderful news".

He said: "There's lots of demand and I'm sure that with this investment it will be hugely popular."