THE owner of a children’s play area which shut its doors earlier this year has put the building up for sale - and offered refunds to families affected by the sudden closure.
Pirate’s Cove was closed with no warning, other than a small sign placed on the door - leaving concerned parents and carers who had pre-paid or left deposits for parties worried they would be out-of-pocket.
Owner Keith Oldroyd - celebrating 25 years at the popular Wombwell site this year - told the Chronicle a period of ill health had forced the closure and his subsequent decision to sell the play centre.
“Pirate’s Cove, after 25 wonderful years, is up for sale,” he said in a statement.
“If you’re interested, you can leave a message on our telephone number or through our email on our website, or at Brown and Co Solicitors in Barnsley.
“You are more than welcome to come down and check it out. I know the coronavirus will be affecting things, but this will give somebody the opportunity to rebrand and change things.
“I do have two people that want to strip it out and take it to Manchester and Blackburn, but I would love it to stop in the Wombwell and Barnsley area.”
Keith has put a price tag of £70,000 on the building, which features a play area more than 2,300sq feet in size and a separate area for toddlers.
He has held several open days at the centre, on Aldham House Industrial Estate, Mitchell Road, for prospective buyers to look around.
He said he would rather Pirate’s Cove, believed to be the longest-serving indoor play area in Barnsley, stay where it is rather than be dismantled or moved.
Keith added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have been of service for the last 25 years to all of you that have grown up with Pirate’s Cove, with lots of memories.
“I’ve had some amazing messages and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to those people who I let down with the parties, I hope I’ve refunded you all and I can only apologise again.”
