Family Entertainment Plans For Former Balcony Nightclub Win Town Council Backing

A major scheme to breathe new life into a once popular Isle of Wight nightclub has been described as a potential “great boost to seafront activities”.

Ryde Town Council (RTC) has submitted a letter in favour of Isle of Wight Bowling’s application for a change of use of the former Balcony nightclub at the Esplanade Pavilion in Ryde.

The developer plans to bring interactive darts, shuffleboard, mini golf and karaoke pods to the venue, which as well as the nightclub on the first floor, is home to a bowling alley, cafe and bar.

A bar with food and music entertainment is planned for both the ground and first floor, with associated customer seating areas.

RTC said it raises no objection, subject to the addition of a Sustainable Drainage System to deal with any rainwater run-off from the roof.

Cllr Malcolm Ross, chair of the town council’s planning and environment committee, said:

“I was pleased for the unanimous support for the application for upgrade of the Superbowl Pavilion.

“This important entertainment facility for Ryde will be updated and with the proposal of a lift to the upper floor will become fully accessible.

“Together with new proposals for the Ryde Arena building and plans well advanced for the enlargement of the Skateboard Park, it’s a great boost to the seafront activities for residents and visitors.”

The applicant’s agent, HLF Planning, said that while the nightclub has previously been a ‘popular element’ of Ryde Superbowl, it is ‘no longer viable’ to continue its use.

“A continued fall in ticket sales and increasing operations costs have created a challenging environment for the nightclub,” a submitted statement said.

“The premises relies strongly on the local community and tourism economy, and the applicant seeks to bring the premises into a new family-friendly era to align with current consumer demands.

“The assortment of proposed uses seeks to encourage an increase in activity while generating further revenue streams.”

County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 26/00722/FUL finishes on July 24 and a decision is due on August 17.