Parents have expressed uncertainty over future housing plans for a city play centre. Plans were recently put forward to convert Pirates Play on Rowley Drive, Sherwood to 14 self contained apartments and three new homes.
The building currently provides entertainment for all children up to the age of 11, with a large play frame, a sports court and café. The centre's owner has now clarified the idea had started as a 'Plan B' during Covid but that they are now looking to move to a larger premises.
Katy Kerr, owner of Pirates Play, said: "It's not something we're looking to do soon - we decided to apply for it during Covid when we were closed, it was our Plan B for if we couldn't reopen. There are no immediate plans but if we do turn it into apartments we will move to a new building. We have outgrown it a bit, and we have been looking for ages for new building to move to first.
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"With prices still going up, it is still a backup plan for us. We want to go bigger, as we have always put money and more equipment into it."
Developers have said the existing building lends itself to conversion due to its "robust nature". A secure covered cycle store for 14 cycles is provided in the plans, with a total of 27 off‐street car parking spaces planned.
Local residents and parents said it would be a shame if the play centre's current building was replaced with housing. Hamed Alia, 36, who works in clinical research and lives on Rowley Drive, said: "I've been there quite a lot with my kids.
"It is very convenient when you live over the road, it is popular and it would be a loss for the community. We need it, especially at half term and during the holidays."
Othuke Igbuku, 42, who has just moved to the area, said: "The only time I ever went there was for a birthday party. It was a nice place then and it seems popular - it would be a shame if it was not here."
Another resident of Rowley Drive, who did not want to be named, said: "I've always thought [of the play centre] at least there would not be housing there. The traffic is bad down here already, as the streets are tight. I would rather it stay the same, it would make the issues here worse."
The application is pending consideration by Nottingham City Council.
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