Role Play Rascals in Faversham to open at former Allegro Dance Studio in Stone Street in 2020
A new children's play centre is opening in East Kent.
Role Play Rascals will launch in Faversham in the spring, offering youngsters the chance to fully immerse themselves in a fun and creative imaginary world.
The new venture is being set up by mum-of-three Hayley Gatward who lives in Faversham and says the town is in desperate need of more places for young families to go.
Hayley is taking over the former Allegro Dance Studio in Stone Street.
Her family will pick up the keys to the building in the new year and are hoping to launch the new role play centre by April following a refit.
The 1200 square foot site will offer children the chance to play in numerous different 'areas' over one level, which are a mixture of fantasy and more 'real life' scenarios.
These include a garage in which young mechanics can use tools and change tyres, a train where toddlers can play the role of both driver and passenger, a supermarket and a space-themed rocket for budding astronauts complete with moon walk.
There will also be a dinosaur-themed land, a Superhero Lair for defeating villains and Unicorn Meadow fit for pint-sized prince and princesses.
For babies there will be a calming baby sensory area suitable for newborns up to those crawling and for the grown-ups - a cafe offering hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Hayley, whose husband works in the construction industry, said: "It's something I've wanted to do for a long time.
"I wanted something that would fit around the children. I can't wait."
Whilst official opening times are not yet confirmed, Hayley hopes to be open most days of the week offering set pre-bookable play sessions, each which lasts 90 minutes.
Currently roping in family to help she doesn't rule out the need to also employ staff.
She explained: "It's going to be a case of putting in some sessions and see how we go. We probably will be employing people part-time."
The mum-of-three, whose children are aged five, three and one, also hopes to welcome schools and nurseries for educational visits and will be offering birthday parties and has already taken one Christmas party booking for December 2020.
