Lane7 to launch two new Newcastle city centre leisure venues this year

Boutique bowling company Lane7 has announced it is opening two new sites in its Newcastle hometown this year.

Lane7 opened its first entertainment centre in Newcastle 11 years ago, on St James’ Boulevard, and it has since added 13 more sites to its portfolio in key cities including Bath, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Edinburgh and Sheffield. Now the company, founded by Tim Wilks, has announced that it will have three sites up and running in the city centre by the end of the year - including one at a currently secret location “near Monument”.

The brand has confirmed it will open its second venue at The Gate this summer, taking over 28,000 sq ft of prime space at the former nightclub The Lofts. It said Lane7 the Gate promises to be a vibrant hub of activity where guests can immerse themselves in premium bowling, golf, shuffleboard, darts, beer pong, arcades and a pool hall.

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The unit was previously occupied by The Lofts, part of the city superclub which was forced to close a year ago amid a Financial Conduct Authority investigation into one of its owners, John Dance. At the time insolvency specialists at FRP said several companies had directly contacted the landlord, The Crown Estate, in attempts to negotiate a deal.

Meanwhile, in addition to The Gate location, Lane7 said it will be introducing a brand new concept in the autumn at its third Newcastle venue, saying it will have “a unique proposition that will be first not just for Newcastle, but for the UK”.

The exact location will soon be revealed but the company has teased that it will be based near Monument.

A spokesman for the company said Newcastle holds a special place in Lane7’s heart as the city where it revolutionised the bowling market, “earning a reputation as the ultimate destination for all of your best nights out in one”.

Mr Wilks, founder of Lane7, said: “Newcastle has always been our home, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue our journey here. The overwhelming support we have received has been incredible, and it’s inspired us to dream even bigger.”

News of the company’s expansion comes amid a time of heavy Newcastle city centre investments, with development schemes under way including new frontage for Fenwick department store, the creation of the new HMRC offices on Pilgrim Street, work at Monument Mall to create a new rooftop bar and leisure area at the former Sports Direct unit.

Eldon Square has also recently secured planning permission for huge changes to repurpose underused space and create two new leisure zones.